This sequence of photos shows autotomy in Oxynoe antellarum. Autotomy, or self-amputation, is the behaviour whereby an animal sheds or discards one or more of it's own appendages. When molested by a predator or otherwise irritated, Oxynoe secrete an astringent, milky mucus, which contains a toxin lethal to fish. Molestation may also induce autotomy of the tail, which will eventually grow back.