A stare down with this octopus (Mussoctopus sp.), occurred during Dive 08 of the Seascape Alaska 5 expedition. As we observed it, the octopus displayed its abilities to change color using specialized cells in its skin called chromatophores. It flashed the deep reddish purple seen here before turning completely white within seconds.
Octopus
Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, Seascape Alaska. Download larger version (jpg, 1.4 MB).

A stare down with this octopus (Mussoctopus sp.), occurred during Dive 08 of the Seascape Alaska 5 expedition. As we observed it, the octopus displayed its abilities to change color using specialized cells in its skin called chromatophores. It flashed the deep reddish purple seen here before turning completely white within seconds.