Darkling Tentacles are known for their attempts to defend themselves, and as such should a dangerous lifeform such as a powerful bounty hunter and the Luminoth forces, the tentacle will begin swinging wildly to repel the foe, presumably trying to protect all of Ingkind as it could otherwise simply retract to its place of origin through the portals located behind it if it were simply trying to protect itself. Like most Ing, they dislike bright light and a bright flash will cause it to retract through its portal temporarily, further justifying that they are trying to protect all of Ingkind when dangers pass.