[3] Due to the appearance and behavior of the wunderpus, it is frequently confused with its close relative, the mimic octopus.

[3] The wunderpus octopus is important commercially to the underwater photography, dive and tourism communities, especially throughout Indonesia.

[2] An adult wunderpus octopus displays an individually unique pattern of white spots and bands over a rusty brown background.

Each body is consistently covered in a brownish-red coloration, both dorsally and ventrally, with white lateral bands and markings along their arms, mantle, head and eye stalks.

[5] This quick-change artist is able to change its appearance, both color and shape, in a quick draw in order to get out of harm's way.

The change of its color patterns allows the wunderpus to either blend in with its surroundings or mimic a venomous species to scare its threat away.

[3] The ability to change patterns and impersonate other species has evolved to ensure the survival of the wunderpus.

Researchers usually use naturally occurring injuries and/or scars to identify individuals but this technique does not work for long term identification.

Photo identification allows for individuals or populations of a species to be identified and tracked without physically handling them.

In order for photo-identification to successfully work, the body color and pattern must vary across individuals but remain constant over time.

[2] Each individual of the wunderpus exhibits unique white markings over a reddish-brown background, making photo identification the perfect method to track them over time.

The arms are an important appendage because the octopus relies on it for aggression, display, locomotion and prey capture.

[5] The wunderpus is found in shallow waters from Bali and Sulawesi north to the Philippines and east to Vanuatu.

[5] A popular spot for the wunderpus, documented by dive photographers, is in the volcanic sand plain near the Lembeh Strait.

[7] These soft-bodied octopuses are benthic creatures, living along the bottom sediments in relatively shallow waters (no deeper than 20 m or 66 ft).

Of the few specific postures and behavioral patterns that have been observed of the wunderpus, it is believed that they are impersonators of other animals.

It has also been documented that the wunderpus will burrow six of their arms, leaving two free to mimic the appearance of the banded sea krait.

[8] Wunderpus hatchlings become water column swimmers and move around with their tiny finger-like arms rather than benthic organisms.

The wunderpus is a favorite in the home aquarium trade and in captivity, where they display a different feeding behavior.

Studies have found that the wunderpus exhibit this aggressive behavior on its close relative the mimic octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus).

This aggressive display of asphyxiation does not immediately choke its opponent but instead prevents the flow of water into the mantle and out of the funnel.

[3] It is unknown what the specific predators of the wunderpus octopus are, but it is believed that they are likely preyed upon by aggressive mantis shrimps, flounders and scorpion fishes.