SANTA BARBARA, Calif., May 21 (UPI) -- Researchers recently found the same proteins used in human eyes are also present in the skin of the two spot octopus, a species found off the coast of California. The proteins help the octopus sense light, without the help of the eyes or the brain.
All octopi have a remarkable propensity for camouflage, using pigmented organs in their skin called chromatophores to blend in. The same mechanisms allow the octopus to relay messages. Now, researchers have shown that at least one octopus species can manipulate its appearance without use of its central nervous system.