Behaviour of Robsonella fontaniana in response to a potential predator

Abstract

Cephalopods have two main defence strategies: the first consists on reducing the odds of being detected by a predator, while the second focuses on avoiding capture. The aim of this study was to understand the basic behavioural aspects of the octopus Robsonella fontaniana in response to the potential predator Schroederichthys chilensis (catshark) in central Chile. Experiments were conducted under laboratory conditions in order to determine the effectiveness of camouflage against predators. The results show that crypsis and an increase in the inactivity period are strategies used by octopuses as protection and defence mechanisms against predators.