Fauna, Scuba News, Underwater Environment

Cyanea octopus - an underwater chameleon

Listen to this article Do you know this animal? It is the Cyanea octopus, which can change the colour and texture of its skin in amazing ways. Thanks to such extraordinary adaptation skills, this animal has developed a number of defence techniques based on camouflage and blending in with its surroundings. The entire colour palette

ByTomasz Andrukajtis

Published: August 19, 2017 - 17:44

Updated: July 22, 2023 - 05:49

Cyanea octopus – an underwater chameleon

Listen to this article

Do you know this animal? It is the Cyanea octopus, which can change the colour and texture of its skin in amazing ways. Thanks to such extraordinary adaptation skills, this animal has developed a number of defence techniques based on camouflage and blending in with its surroundings.

The entire colour palette that Cyanea has at its disposal can be achieved in the blink of an eye. All thanks to millions of pigment cells. In addition to its excellent predator avoidance abilities, this animal also possesses an interesting suit of hunting techniques.

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Exploring the reef with its ubiquitous tentacles, it tries to track down its prey. When it succeeds, it places a tent made of its own body over it! You can see what’s going on inside from the amazing shots in the video above.

About author

Tomasz Andrukajtis

Editor-in-chief of the DIVERS24 portal and magazine. Responsible for obtaining, translating and developing content. He also supervises all publications. Achived his first diving certification – P1 CMAS, in 2000. Has a degree in journalism and social communication. In the diving industry since 2008.