Invertebrates
Wonderpus
Wunderpus photogenicus · also called wunderpus octopus
Carrying a bold, individually distinctive pattern of reddish-brown and white markings, a wonderpus can flatten its body and undulate its long arms to mimic venomous sea snakes and lionfish, turning its own appearance into a shield against predators.
Overview
The wonderpus, Wunderpus photogenicus, is a strikingly patterned octopus native to tropical ocean habitat recorded across the Indo-Pacific region. Its fixed, individually distinctive markings, convincing mimicry of venomous animals, and scientific name directly referencing its photogenic appearance make it one of the most visually recognisable and behaviourally sophisticated octopus species found anywhere in the ocean.
A pattern as good as a fingerprint
Unlike many octopuses capable of rapidly changing colour and pattern at will, the wonderpus carries the same fixed markings for its entire life, distinctive enough that researchers can use them to tell individual animals apart much as a fingerprint would.
Status
Not Evaluated, though the species faces some pressure from the marine aquarium trade and underwater photography tourism in parts of its range.
Wonderpus: common questions
How is the wonderpus different from the mimic octopus?
This species has a fixed pattern of reddish-brown and white markings that remains constant throughout its life, distinct from the true mimic octopus, which is a different species known for a much wider range of shape-shifting mimicry behaviours.
How does the wonderpus protect itself from predators?
This species can flatten its body and undulate its arms to mimic the appearance and movement of venomous sea snakes and lionfish, deterring predators that would otherwise see it as an easy target.
Why is it called the wonderpus?
This species was given a scientific name reflecting how strikingly photogenic its bold, individually distinctive markings are, a rare case of an animal's formal name directly referencing its visual appeal.
How does the wonderpus find its food?
This species hunts by extending its long, thin arms into sand and rubble to flush out hidden prey, rather than relying primarily on ambush tactics or ink-based defence to capture food.