Hundreds were shocked when what appeared to be a normal rock in the shallow waters of Queensland’s Noosa River was actually an octopus in disguise.
A mother and her son spotted what was later identified as a Mimic Octopus and alerted wildlife rescuers as they suspected the octopus was sick. By the time rescuers arrived, the creature had convincingly disguised itself as a rock.
‘There are around 300 species of octopus in the world, many of which are able to blend in with their environments, but the Mimic takes things to the next level,’ says charity Wildlife Noosa said.
They shared images as the ‘mysterious’ animal emerged from its camouflage, astonishingly hundreds of them.
What appears to be an unassuming rock on the banks of the Noosa River turned out to be an ‘elusive’ camouflaged mimic octopus
Noosa local Tracey and her son Jacob spotted the octopus along the banks of the river and called Wildlife Noosa to check its health.
The organization said it was “strange” that the octopus was so “out in the open” with people and dogs walking so close, making it vulnerable to predators.
By the time rescuers arrived, the octopus had tucked its tentacles and resembled an unassuming rock.
They used a metal pole to bring the animal closer so they could remove it from its potentially dangerous position before it revealed its true identity.
Dozens were impressed by the camouflage tactics of the ‘highly intelligent’ octopus.
‘Wow! What a beauty! I so hope it recovers,” one woman said.
‘How beautiful is it??’ another added, while some compared it to an ‘alien’.
Australia Zoo identified the creature as a Mimic Octopus and Wildlife Noosa took it to SEA LIFE Mooloolaba to be monitored.
Rescuers assumed the animal was unwell because it was unusual for it to be in shallow water. He is at SEA LIFE in Mooloolaba and will be released after he is nursed back to health
‘The mimic has an impressive number of imitations. It can change its skin color, texture, shape and behavior to mimic animals such as eels, stingrays, jellyfish, crabs, seahorses and even venomous lionfish and sea snakes, along with others,” the post said.
‘It is highly intelligent and has the ability to learn to adapt its facial expressions in new environments. The Mimic Octopus remains a mystery to science.’
It was apparently ‘unusual’ that the ‘elusive’ creature was found where it was.
“It was strange behavior being out in the open, almost on the beach and very slow,” a rep said in the comments of the clip.
After a ‘full assessment’ at SEA LIFE, the octopus is held at the facility to be closely monitored and treated by the ‘best veterinarians in the field’.
Veterinarians still don’t know what’s wrong with the octopus, but it started eating after resisting eating for several days.
If SEA LIFE can nurse the animal back to health, it will be released back into the river.