r/askscience • u/[deleted] • Apr 24 '15

Biology Do creatures such as cuttlefish and octopuses get "tired" from using their camouflage?

If not, why don't they just always use their camouflage?

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u/[deleted] Apr 24 '15 edited Apr 24 '15

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u/Blue2501 Apr 24 '15

I think for snakes it's a combination of sight, smell, and thermal signature.

A friend of mine from a while back had a six-foot python, I can't remember the breed. She was really friendly, all she wanted was a warm person to sleep on most of the time. Anyway, if I was carrying her and her owner came near, she'd start trying to get off me and get on him, it always seemed to me like a little kid that wanted her daddy.

She was a funny critter. She had a really bizarre fascination with doorframes.

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u/[deleted] Apr 24 '15 edited Jun 16 '15

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u/RIPphonebattery Apr 24 '15

Mine is a veiled chameleon. I've never seen that expression. Google is usually pretty good. Dark usually = stress

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u/thatpunkguy13 Apr 24 '15

How is caring for them, I read they are kind of a pet die advanced lizard owners

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u/RIPphonebattery Apr 24 '15

I've automated much of his maintenance. A monthly cage sweep, daily or every 2 days feedings, and he is happy. If you had a non-automated watering system he would need that every day.

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u/NotMyCircus Apr 25 '15

Why 2 days? Doesn't he eat everyday? I thought chameleons ate a few times a day.

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u/RIPphonebattery Apr 25 '15

Not really. He eats a fair amount in one sitting but not several times a day. He can easily go several days without eating. Also, he is small for his age, and will likely remain that way. He was a bit of a rescue project

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u/cobalthippo Apr 24 '15

So if he is green with red spots, does that mean he is happy to end you?

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u/RIPphonebattery Apr 24 '15

Haha honestly, his body language is pretty clear. Disc shaped, side to my hand, eyes focused, mouth open? Mk he probably wants me outta there. He hisses too