How to spot the Mimic octopus when scuba diving
Thaumoctopus mimicus
Indo-Pacific: First discovered off Sulawesi, Indonesia. Range confirmed from Red Sea/Gulf of Oman east to New Caledonia, north to Philippines/Gulf of Thailand, south to Great Barrier Reef. Most records from Indonesia.
Can be found year-round in suitable habitats. Best chances during daytime dives when they are actively foraging.
Tropical waters.
Prefers shallow (<15m), murky/silty or sandy bottoms, often near river mouths or estuaries (unlike typical reef octopuses). Found in "muck diving" environments. Prime locations include Lembeh Strait (Indonesia, peak Mar-Oct often cited), Anilao (Philippines, peak Nov-May often cited), Bali (Indonesia, peak May-Nov often cited), and other muck sites in PNG, Malaysia. Look for them moving across the sand, often impersonating other animals like flounders, sea snakes, or lionfish. Requires patience and keen eyes in low-visibility sediment areas.
Worldwide observation of the Thaumoctopus mimicus
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Data sources
- Photos: Wikimedia Commons
- Distribution and specie data: GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility)
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