Mimic Octopus
Thaumoctopus mimicus
Sighting evidence at Port Vila Bay Night Dive, Efate
Photo: Kimberly Tripp Randal · CC BY-NC
Mimic octopus are encountered seasonally at Port Vila Bay, where they hunt the open sand between rubble patches — their preferred habitat — mimicking flatfish, lionfish, and sea snakes as a defence against predation. Spotting one in full mimicry mode, rippling its arms in the lateral undulation of a flounder as it crosses an exposed sand patch, is one of the defining experiences of Indo-Pacific muck diving. Their appearance in Efate waters marks the eastern edge of this species' range, making Port Vila Bay an important location for its Pacific distribution.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Mimic Octopus is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.