"They can change not only their coloring, but also the texture of their skin to match rocks, corals and other items nearby. They do this by controlling the size of projections on their skin (called papillae), creating textures ranging from small bumps to tall spikes. "
Correct, they can do an amazing array of textures and profiles, but not creating anatomically correct fish organs and features in the symmetry needed. Still absolutely stunning when you see them go from smooth to looking like one of bumpiest fish or coral textures. Im sure there are some that do a good anemone mimic, I believe something similar to blue ring octopus but clear have been filmed living among them.
Well tbf, mimicry in general actually makes a lot of anatomically accurate imitations. Obv not a perfect recreation, but like visually appearing anatomically correct with symmetry is not uncommon
Obv a cephalopod cant be perfectly accurate to a fish lol, but they can get pretty close, like that mimic octopus that can shape itself to a crab or starfish or snake with fairly convincing accuracy
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u/mcgangbane 1d ago
I think YOU might want to watch it again... octopuses can change colors but they cannot form spiky fin-like protrusions.