Which marine animal can imitate other species to avoid predators?

The mimic octopus can imitate other species to avoid predators. Its scientific name is Thaumoctopus mimicus, and it lives mainly in shallow, sandy or muddy Indo-Pacific habitats.

Unlike ordinary camouflage, which blends an animal into its surroundings, the mimic octopus changes its colour, posture, body shape and swimming style to resemble particular animals. It has been observed imitating banded sea snakes, lionfish, flatfish, jellyfish and other potentially dangerous or unappealing species.

For example, when threatened by damselfish, it may imitate a banded sea snake, a predator the fish normally avoids. It can hide some arms and hold others in parallel to suggest a snake, or spread its arms to resemble a spiny lionfish. This is a form of defensive mimicry, although the animal may also use disguises while approaching prey.

The species was first described scientifically in 2005 after observations off Indonesia. It is often confused with cuttlefish, which are also excellent colour-changing animals, but the mimic octopus is especially notable for switching among several animal models.