Octopus's Garden

Octopus cyanea
Acrylic/colored pencil

The day octopus (Octopus cyanea) frequents the reefs of the Pacific ocean, and is one of the most active and strongest of its genus. The cephalopod will camouflage itself by manipulating the texture and color of its skin through a complex system of "chromatophores." This camouflage allows the octopus to ambush unsuspecting crabs and mollusks, and avoid becoming prey themselves. Shells can often be found lying in a pile outside of their cavern, in an area often referred to as the "Octopus's Garden."