Posted on Wednesday, December 4th, 2024
Utilizing an impressive composition of muscles fibers, nerves, and pigment cells, octopuses can blend in with their surroundings in a fraction of a second.
Octopuses employ a few mechanisms of camouflage to achieve the mind-blowing stealth mode you see in nature documentaries (or Instagram).
Chromatophores are organs that are present in the skin of many cephalopods, such as squids, cuttlefish, and octopuses, which contain pigment sacs in shades of red, brown, and yellow. A complex array of muscles expands or contracts the chromatophores to match the pigment to what the octopus sees around itself.
Iridiphores are stacks of thin cells that reflect light back at different wavelengths, adding shades of blue, green, silver, and gold to the octopus’s camouflage.
Leucophores are cells that scatter full-spectrum light to create bright white patterns and spots that disrupt the perceived outline of the octopus’s body.
Papillae are sections of skin that can be deformed to change texture, helping the octopus mimic the surface around it.
Next time you visit the Zoo’s Primate, Cat, and Aquatics building, spend a few minutes appreciating the giant Pacific octopus. It is truly a master of disguise!