How do octopuses change their color and texture?

Octopuses are masters of disguise, and are able to change their color and texture to blend in with their surroundings or communicate with other octopuses. They accomplish this amazing feat through the use of specialized skin cells called chromatophores, which contain pigment-filled sacs that can be expanded or contracted to change the color of the skin.

In addition to chromatophores, octopuses also have papillae on their skin that can change the texture of their skin to help them blend in with their surroundings. These papillae are controlled by muscular contractions and can create bumps, spikes, and other textures on the skin.

Octopuses are able to change their color and texture very rapidly, in as little as a fraction of a second. This allows them to quickly adapt to changing environments or avoid predators. They are also able to use their color and texture changes to communicate with other octopuses, such as during mating or territorial disputes.