We often get shocked by the sight of a large shark, we are afraid of jellyfish or we don't particularly like moray eels that come out of their dens; but have we ever thought about how many eyes are watching us during our diving and snorkeling adventures?

More than we can imagine! Animals that are masters of camouflage are able to literally disappear on the seabed and observe us undisturbed even from a few meters away!

What does mimicry mean?

Camouflage means to take on the shapes and/or colors of the surrounding environment or someone else! Many animals camouflage themselves, disguise themselves, change color and behavior; why?

Many do it to hide, others to appear, others to warn of their danger or to hunt. In this way, different types of camouflage have been discovered:

• Cryptic mimicry: when an animal takes on the likenesses of its surroundings.

• Batesian mimicry: when a completely harmless animal takes on the likeness of a dangerous or unappetizing one.

• Müllerian mimicry: Dangerous animals of different species have evolved similar colorations.

The fact is that colors are fundamental in Nature and by taking a look underwater we will immediately realize this great truth.

Today we will talk about three marine samples of cryptic mimicry, developed for different purposes:

The scorpionfish family

The scorpionfish family includes the most poisonous and dangerous fish in the world, including the infamous stonefish. They have colonized tropical and temperate seas around the world. In the Mediterranean, the most famous exponents are scorpionfish, with several species.

Why do they camouflage themselves?

They are extraordinary predators, champions of ambush: they are capable of waiting helplessly for their prey, then catching it with a lightning-fast move! Clearly, as in all things, there are two sides to the coin: if camouflaging themselves on the seabed brings the advantage of not being seen, it also brings the disadvantage of not being seen!

Therefore our friends have also developed an extremely effective defense weapon: poisonous spines.

In scorpionfish, these spines are found on the tips of the dorsal fins, on the head and on the gill covers (depending on the different species) the venom is lethal to other fish but also to humans sometimes. The cousin stonefish instead is at a "more professional" level with 12-14 dorsal spines, 3 anal spines and two spines on each pelvic fin. All are clearly connected to venom glands.

The sting

The sting of scorpion fish is very painful but if treated it is not lethal, their venom is thermolabile, that is, it is deactivated by heat (so Friendly Fins, if it ever happens, remember to put something hot on it).

The sting of stone fish (pictured below) is more challenging because the venom is a mix of toxins with neurotoxic, myotoxic, cardiotoxic and cytotoxic action. This sting, if not treated properly, could lead to death.

Friendy Fins Recommendation

The sea is extremely fascinating and mysterious, we cannot have the presumption of knowing it perfectly and feel free to do what we want. It is always better to address it by using the “She” form, avoiding touching the animals and stepping on the seabed, whatever it is (sand, rock and coral) to protect ourselves and its inhabitants.

The scorpionfish family is a champion of camouflage but they are not infallible! With a few tricks you can spot them: by observing the seabed and training your eyesight a little, you can see the pectoral fins of these animals that are nice and open

fan-shaped on the bottom and in the case of the stonefish they have a somewhat "cushion-like" appearance; in fact they are not fins used for agile sprints but mostly for moving by hopping on the seabed.

Stonefish like scorpionfish can be found just a few steps from the shore, but they are not looking for “the man” to attack, they are simply at home…

Let’s never forget this!

Flat fish

Flatfish have evolved one of the most bizarre forms of adaptation ever existed, think that they were born as "normal bilateral" fish and during the long evolution, mouth and eyes have moved to the same side!

Incredible but true!

In addition to this characteristic, they are obviously flat! So they have a very thin body that disappears on any seabed.

For them too, camouflage is essential to earn a living and therefore hunt small prey that are nearby, such as small invertebrates and small fish.

Despite their singular and funny shape, they are fish capable of escaping very quickly, undulating quickly above the seabed.

Friendly Fins Tips:

We can find flatfish in all the seas of the world, even if they are suffering a strong decline due to trawling.

Seeing them is very exciting because they are truly unique fish. As you can see from the photographs, the game is not easy but with a little spirit of observation we can do it!

To find them, our eyes must meet theirs, literally! Because their eyes are the only part of the animal's body that protrudes (and not in all flatfish!)

We can also look for the "outlines" of their body given by these rayed fins that may be more conspicuous than the rest.

Good luck Friendly Fins!

The octopus

The octopus needs no introduction, it is one of the most undisputed champions of camouflage in the entire animal kingdom. They too have colonized both tropical and temperate seas around the world.

The octopus, in addition to changing color to blend in perfectly with the surrounding seabed, is able to change color when its mood changes, for example when it is stressed, fearful or "in love".

Why does he camouflage himself?

Like all its cephalopod relatives, the octopus is a predator and has perfected the noble technique of camouflage to capture its prey. Once captured, they will have no escape from its 8 robust tentacles and its powerful beak, capable of crushing crustacean exoskeletons and breaking shells.

Even he, remaining camouflaged on the bottom, risks being mistaken for the bottom itself, his most used defense weapon is speed, thanks to the tentacles and the propulsion produced by his body, in the blink of an eye he has disappeared from our range of action! As if that were not enough, he is able to "shoot ink" disorienting the potential predator and giving him the opportunity to escape and hide.

How Octopuses Change Color

Octopuses are able to quickly change color thanks to very particular cells called chromatophores and a complex system of nervous stimulations and skin receptors. The chromatophores contain yellow, red and black pigments, arranged on different levels under the skin and with their own innervation.

These are distributed in the cell based on stimuli from the central nervous system and the endocrine system, changing the color of the cell itself and, therefore, of the skin.

Are you amazed Friendly Fins?

But that's not all, because the octopus is also able to modify its skin, creating wrinkles and bumps, further increasing its resemblance to the ocean floor.

Consigli Friendly Fins:

There is always a certain mystery surrounding the octopus! It is not an easy animal to find, being a master of camouflage and spending most of the day in its den.

It is certainly easier to see it when it is moving than when it is still!

We always recommend not touching Friendly Fins and not bothering it with sticks or cameras. Remember that it is a very strong animal and its tentacles could seriously hurt you or literally “steal” your camera from your hands.

Let's just respect its elegance by looking at it from the right distance that is due to the King of marine camouflage.

These three animals are just a small example of marine ingenuity! Follow us Friendly Fins and together we will discover much more about the colors and shades of the Ocean Planet