The Common Octopus, a member of one of the most awesome animal groups to inhabit the ocean. They have it all, being complex, intelligent, versatile and seemingly able to do almost anything. They can change colour to camouflage against their background, and also change the texture of their skin to resemble topography. Being soft bodied they can squeeze through tiny gaps and either walk around using their eight legs and suckers, or swim using their built in jet propulsion system. They stalk crustacean and shelled molluscs for food, and this is where their camouflage abilities fail them. When diving it is often possible to pinpoint their location by looking for small piles of crab parts or shells which are usually left outside their burrow. To be honest, all Cephalopods look like they arrived on a passing comet, but to be honest, the octopus would have to be their supreme leader. Well, that’s if they haven’t evolved beyond needing leaders that is.
Originally posted on Instagram @sea_anguilla with the text:Caribbean Common Octopus browsing the reef near Anguillita looking for a spot of lunch. These amazing creatures can change colour at will to blend into the background or startle potential predators. Their camouflaging skills are so incredible they can even change the rugosity of their skin to mold with the surrounding topography.