January 18, 2007—This is one animal that can easily cut its losses in a losing situation.

The 10-inch-wide (25-centimeter-wide) native of Australia is a bold hunter, feeling through the seafloor for meals of tiny invertebrates and crustaceans. But the animal's miniscule size makes it a juicy target for the ocean's larger denizens.

That won't stop the amel octopus from venturing out into the open, though, since it can always make a quick dash to safety—even if it leaves behind a limb or two.

Watch as a blue crab is left clutching for more after facing off with the tiny octopus, and learn why the cephalopod is quick to shrug off its seemingly massive injuries.