🐙 Daily Cephalopod Fact: 🐙
Southern Sand Octopus: Unlike most octopuses, this species lacks color-changing chromatophores. However, it is able to hide from predators by burrowing itself in sand. The process begins with the octopus using its siphon to inject water into the sand, creating quicksand-like conditions which enable burrowing. Then, it uses its arms to burrow into the sand. Two arms will be extended to the surface, creating a ventilation shaft. At the same time, this ocotopus will use mucus to stabilize the shape of the burrow. Finally, it will retract its two arms and push out loose sand with its siphon, creating a mucus-lined, ventilated burrow to rest in. The Southern Sand octopus is the only known species to exhibit sub-surface burrowing.
