Octopus Dreaming

Mesmerizing footage of Heidi, a ‘dreaming’ octopus that changes color and patterning as she slumbers, has been released—it’s especially exciting because this is an uncommon occurrence in the animal kingdom.

David Scheel, professor of marine biology at Alaska Pacific University, can be heard in a voiceover as he explains that this might be the first time a snoozing octopus has been filmed changing color in such quick succession.

“I witnessed something I’ve never seen recorded before,” says Scheel, who says that due to what we already know about octopuses and their penchant for changing colors and patterns especially for protection or hunting, the one in the video is likely dreaming of catching her next meal.