Animating the Sea: Motion, Light and Eyes

Camouflaging consists of several different methods, from permanently reflecting the organism’s environment to taking steps to constantly adapt to it. The octopus uses its eyes and photosensitive materials in its skin to assess the object it is attached to before either expanding or shrinking color-filled cells in its skin to match. The weedy sea dragons, relatives to the camouflaging leafy sea dragon, adopt similar techniques with their color-changing, leaf-shaped appendages throughout their bodies to reflect their verdant habitat. The Bobbit Worm uses its 5 banded antennae to lure in its prey. Its body is hidden beneath the ocean from prey, and its antennae act as worms to trick prey into moving closer. The Mimic Octopus utilizes its color-changing skin and flexible body to resemble the appearance and movement of poisonous animals in its environment. It can take on the disguise of sea snakes, lionfish, and jellyfish to fool predators.