Next Level Scuba

Octopuses have thousands chromatophores under their skin. These are specialised cells that allow them to change colour instantaneously. Blue-ringed octopuses put on a threat display using these cells and iridophores, a specialised type of light-reflecting chromatophore that gives the blue rings their iridescence. 🌀

When alarmed or attacked, these animals quickly change colour. They use muscles to make their blue patterns appear, displaying them on top of a yellow or cream-coloured base with dark pigmented cells underneath the rings, which helps to intensify their colour. 💙

Like lots of other octopuses, blue-ringed octopuses can also use their chromatophores to help camouflage themselves. They spend a lot of their time tucked away in crevices, hiding from animals that might try to eat them. 🪨

You've been blessed by a Valentine's Day smooch from a real clown 😘