CARIBBEAN REEF OCTOPUS
: Octopus briareus
24 in long.
Large, specialized
cells in skin called chromatophores allow instant color changes. Beak
located at base of arms is used to bite and some times inject a toxin
which paralyzes prey. Octopuses have rather sophisticated eyes and
excellent vision. In this picture you can also see the opening to
the tube known as the siphon. An octopus forces water from its mantle
through the highly directable tube to gain thrust when swimming. |
