Researchers from the University of the Ryukyus, Japan, observed this unusual behaviour while feeding the cephalopods in the lab. The cuttlefish would bend their arms and move them sharply like they were legs, and also develop dark spots on their skin. The researchers are not certain why the cuttlefish pretend to be hermit crabs but suggest it could be a form of defence useful in hunting small fish. Cuttlefish and other cephalopods are known to use camouflage and mimicry in the wild. The researchers hope to study the cuttlefish further to confirm whether the pharaoh cuttlefish are indeed imitating hermit crabs.
