Meet the octopus that can impersonate 13 different species on command

Researchers say the mimic octopus can rapidly change shape, color, and movement to imitate more than a dozen species.

Its context-specific mimicry helps it evade predators in open coastal habitats where ordinary camouflage is less effective.

By copying dangerous or unpalatable animals such as sea snakes, flatfish, and lionfish, it gains a rare survival advantage.

The study sheds light on how Thaumoctopus mimicus uses chromatophores and fast behavioral shifts to defend itself.