The Disguise Master: Meet Dexter the Mimic Octopus!
Homeschool
Audio By Carbonatix
Hey friends! We are so excited you’re here for another Fun Friday: Fishy Facts & Fables—where faith, science, and storytelling come together to make learning both exciting and meaningful for your kids!
I’m Tricia Goyer, a homeschooling mom of ten, a writer, and a lifelong learner. And I’m thrilled to be here with my amazing co-author, Sherri Seligson—a marine biologist, curriculum writer, and homeschool mom of four. Together, we created Wonders of the Ocean Realm, a book filled with incredible true-to-life stories about five fascinating sea creatures, breathtaking artwork, scientific facts, and faith-based reflections.
In our previous episodes, we introduced Astrid the Sea Star and Maximus the Mighty Mantis Shrimp. Today, we’re diving deep to meet Dexter, the Mimic Octopus—one of the ocean’s most intelligent and fascinating creatures!
Meet Dexter the Mimic Octopus: The Master of Disguise
When we were selecting creatures for Wonders of the Ocean Realm, we wanted to showcase animals with truly unique abilities. That’s how we discovered the mimic octopus—an incredible shape-shifter of the sea!
At first glance, Dexter might look like any other octopus, but he has an extraordinary talent—he imitates other sea creatures! Most octopuses can change their color and texture, but Dexter takes it a step further. He copies the movement, shape, and behavior of different animals, helping him survive in the ocean’s depths.
Here’s what makes Dexter so amazing:
🐙 Master of Disguise – Dexter can transform his body to mimic a venomous sea snake, a lionfish, or even a flatfish to scare off predators.
🎨 Color-Changing Camouflage – Using tiny cells called chromatophores, he instantly changes colors to blend into his surroundings.
💪 Super Smart – Octopuses are some of the most intelligent creatures in the ocean! Dexter can solve puzzles, escape enclosures, and even learn from experience.
❤️ Nine Hearts! – Dexter has one large heart in his body and eight smaller hearts—one for each arm—helping him stay strong and coordinated.
👀 Incredible Vision – Unlike humans, octopuses can see polarized light, giving them a totally different way of viewing the world!
Bringing Dexter the Mimic Octopus to Life Through Storytelling
One of the things that makes Wonders of the Ocean Realm special is that we don’t just list facts—we tell stories! We bring these incredible creatures to life by weaving real science into exciting adventures that engage young readers.
In Dexter’s story, he faces a challenge—how to avoid a hungry predator. By cleverly mimicking a banded sea snake, he fools a dangerous fish into thinking he’s too risky to eat. The way he changes his arms, adjusts his colors, and moves just like a snake is a perfect example of God’s incredible design in nature!
Want to see for yourself? Try imitating different animals with your kids:
🐍 Slither like a snake
🐸 Hop like a frog
🦀 Scuttle like a crab
🦅 Glide like an eagle
It’s a fun way to help kids understand Dexter’s amazing abilities—and it’s sure to bring lots of giggles, too!
Faith Reflections: Designed for a Purpose
Dexter might be a small creature, but he has been perfectly designed by God to survive and thrive in the ocean. His ability to observe, learn, and adapt reminds us of these words of wisdom:
"Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance." – Proverbs 15:5
Like Dexter, we can grow in wisdom by paying attention, learning from others, and using the gifts God has given us. Just as he carefully watches other animals and adapts to his surroundings, we can observe kindness, faith, and wisdom in those around us—and apply those lessons in our own lives!
Ask your kids:
✨ What is something you’ve learned just by watching someone else?
✨ How can we use our gifts to honor God and help others?
Fun Activity: Make Dexter the Mimic Octopus Disappear!
Want to explore how camouflage works? Try this fun, hands-on experiment!
👀 What You Need:
✅ Print our Dexter coloring sheets (see below!)
✅ Colored pencils or markers
✅ Different textured backgrounds (wood grain, tile, carpet, or patterned fabric)
🔍 How to Do It:
- Print out the octopus coloring sheets.
- Challenge your kids to color Dexter so he blends into different backgrounds!
- Hold the colored sheet against different surfaces—can they make Dexter disappear?
This activity helps kids understand how color and patterns help animals survive in their environment, just like Dexter does in the ocean!
Join Us for More Ocean Adventures!
We hope you loved learning about Dexter the Mimic Octopus and his amazing disguise skills! If you’re looking for a way to teach science, storytelling, and faith in a hands-on, exciting way, Wonders of the Ocean Realm is the perfect resource for your homeschool.
✨ Next Week: We’ll introduce another incredible sea creature—stay tuned for more fun facts, stories, and hands-on activities!
📖 Get your copy of Wonders of the Ocean Realm today!
📩 Download our FREE activity book!
Thank you for joining us, and we can’t wait to explore more of God’s incredible ocean creatures with you! 🌊🐙
Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents
Need more ideas and advice on homeschooling? Pick up a copy of Homeschool Basics. Receive tried-and-true homeschool advice from veteran homeschooling moms Tricia Goyer and Kristi Clover. We dish out practical help on getting started and staying the course. Homeschool Basics will remind you that the best homeschooling starts with the heart. Packed with ideas to help you push aside your fears and raise kids who will grow to be life-long learners. Kristi and I believe that homeschooling can transform your life, your home, and your family. Mostly, we believe homeschooling can truly prepare your children for the life God’s called them to live. Don’t let doubts hold you back any longer. Get Homeschool Basics on Amazon Now!
