It is at dusk and dawn that you are most likely to encounter Lembeh’s Wunderpus Octopus when they are out hunting for small fish and crustaceans. Often confused with its close relative, the Mimic Octopus, you can determine the difference by their coloration. The Wunderpus has pale white markings on its mantle and a distinct white line along the base of its suckers.

Their scientific name is Wunderpus photogenicus which was only given to them in 2006. There is little known about their history as they were only discovered in the 1980’s. The Wunderpus Octopus grows to an approximate size of 23 centimeters with their arm span reaching 40 centimeters in length. They are extremely good at camouflage and like the Mimic, are able to alter their color, shape, and movement to mimic other animals to protect themselves from predators. If they are in fact captured, they have the ability to drop an arm in order to escape. They can then regenerate the lost arm!

Extremely photogenic, Lembeh is the place to be if the Wunderpus is on your wish list! This great image was captured by our guests, Su Kyung and Peace.

Also seen in Lembeh this week were the Peacock Mantis Shrimp, Bobbit Worm, Box Crab, Ambon Scorpionfish and so much more!

We had the pleasure of the company of some return guests to Lembeh this week. Dymphna from the Netherlands and Barbara and Russ from South Africa. Our other guests came all the way from the USA, France, Japan and the Netherlands.

Happy Bubbles!