Researchers have just confirmed that while cephalopods (octopus, cuttlefish and squid) are experts at camouflaging themselves, they’re completely colorblind.
Professor Justin Marshall and Dr Wen-Sung Chung of the Queensland Brain Institute studied octopus and cuttlefish retinas extensively to make the determination. Their findings were published in The Royal Society.
Professor Marshall said, “These engaging and charismatic animals can display complex, bright color patterns on their skin, but our studies have reconfirmed beyond doubt that they are colorblind. It is ironic then that humans still struggle to spot them in the natural habitat where their camouflage is perfectly matched with the surroundings.”
Octopuses are able to distinguish between high contrast objects: blacks and whites, those that are varying shades of gray, and those that are completely different colors. They can’t, however, tell the difference between colors that appear the same in gray-scale.
What they lack in color vision, however, they make up for in their perception of polarized light. They’re are able to readily distinguish between different polarizations (direction and angles) of light, so they’re able to sense even the slightest contrast differences between colors.
What’s more, researchers have also recently discovered that cephalopods possess proteins called opsins in their eyes and skin that act as color receptors. Opsins convert photos of light into electrochemical signals, so technically these incredible creatures can sense light variations with their skin. Original research on this subject can be found here and here.
Research is ongoing, so we don’t have all the facts just yet. We’ll keep you updated on the current research surrounding these masters of disguise as it emerges!
Can you spot the octopus? WATCH:
