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. Rocha, R. Ross and G. Kopp
Coral Reefs, Online 10 December 2011
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