1 Tahrcountry Musings: A fish that disguises itself as octopus

Sunday, January 08, 2012

A fish that disguises itself as octopus



It is a known fact that octopus impersonate lionfish and sea snakes. But, a fish imitating octopus is something new. This is exactly what scientists from the University of Gottingen, Germany, have discovered. They have recorded a black-marble jawfish (Stalix cf. histrio) disguising itself among the octopus' tentacles.

 This is the first evidence of association between a fish and a mimic octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus).

The scientists believe that jawfish is an "opportunistic mimic" using disguise as protection while it forages.

Journal reference 
Opportunistic mimicry by a Jawfish
L. A. RochaR. Ross and G. Kopp
Coral Reefs, Online 10 December 2011

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