Many of the mimics on our list use just one trick to get by, but not the mimic octopus. This two-foot-long native of tropical estuaries is an actor of many roles, the only octopus know to have such a talent.

It can group its legs together and change color to look like a sea snake. It can draw its arms into a wedge to mimic a sole fish. Jellyfish, sea anemones, and stingrays are among its other impersonations.