Are octopuses completely colorblind, or do they have some ability to perceive color? Octopuses, and cephalopods in general, are fascinating creatures that possess some remarkable abilities. One of the questions that has long puzzled scientists is whether octopuses are completely colorblind or if they have some ability to perceive color. Recent research has shed some light on this intriguing.
The eyes of cephalopods like octopus, squid, and cuttlefish possess only one kind of photoreceptor, implying that they are colorblind, being able to see only in greyscale. How do the animals camouflage based on color if they can't see it? Cephalopods, especially cuttlefish and octopuses, instantaneously change the patterns and texture of their skin to blend with. What makes an octopus change color? Octopuses can shift hues because they have chromatophores - tiny, color-changing organs that are dotted throughout an octopus's skin.
Find out what color is an octopus can change to and why. Learn about their skin and how they hide or show their true color. now.
Scientists have found that octopuses see color not by using visual pigments in their eye but through the technique of chromatic aberration. What does it mean when an octopus turns pink? The octopus can also change to gray, brown, pink, blue, or green to blend in with its surroundings. Octopuses may also change color as a way to communicate with other octopuses.
Christopher agrees, pointing out: "Philosophers would even ask whether the three people on this phone call perceive color the same way." Watch an octopus and cuttlefish change colors to camouflage themselves and display to other members of their species in this video: Are octopuses really colorblind? The color of octopuses has long fascinated scientists and observers alike. Octopuses can rapidly change color and texture to camouflage themselves from predators and prey. But what is their true, underlying color underneath all those chromatophores? The answer is complex and sheds light on the amazing biology of these cephalopods.
A notable capability is mimicry, where certain octopus species imitate dangerous marine animals. The mimic octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus) can contort its body and change its coloration to impersonate venomous creatures like lionfish, sea snakes, or flatfish. This imitation extends to body posture and movement, enhancing the deception.