Octopuses are arguably the most intelligent invertebrates on the planet. They solve complex puzzles, use tools, and escape from secure enclosures with ease. Furthermore, their alien-like biology includes multiple hearts and brains. Consequently, these eight-armed creatures continue to baffle scientists with their unique abilities. Explore these fascinating details about the master of camouflage.
Octopuses
They possess three separate hearts. Two of these hearts pump blood exclusively to the gills to pick up oxygen. Meanwhile, the third heart circulates blood to the rest of the body, but it actually stops beating when the octopus swims.
Surprisingly, they have blue blood instead of red. Unlike humans, who use iron-based hemoglobin, octopuses use copper-based hemocyanin to transport oxygen. This copper-rich protein is more efficient in cold, low-oxygen ocean environments.
An octopus has nine brains in total. A central brain controls the nervous system, but a smaller cluster of nerve cells sits in each of its eight arms. Therefore, the arms can taste, touch, and move independently without constant direction from the main brain.
The correct plural is octopuses, not octopi. Because the word comes from the Greek language rather than Latin, the “i” ending is technically incorrect. However, some people also accept “octopodes” as a grammatically valid alternative.
They can squeeze through any hole larger than their beak. Since they have no bones or external shell, their only hard part is their parrot-like beak. Consequently, a massive octopus can slide through a pipe the size of a quarter.
The Coconut Octopus carries its own mobile home. Remarkably, this species finds discarded coconut shells on the seafloor and stacks them like bowls. It then carries these shells under its arms to use as an instant shelter when danger appears.
Their suckers can taste objects. Each suction cup contains thousands of chemical receptors that function like taste buds. Thus, an octopus knows if something is edible just by touching it with the tip of an arm.
Some species punch fish out of spite. Researchers have observed octopuses teaming up with fish to hunt, but they occasionally hit their partners. apparently, they do this to keep the fish in line or simply because they are frustrated.
The Blue-Ringed Octopus is one of the deadliest animals in the ocean. Although it is the size of a golf ball, it carries enough neurotoxin to kill 26 adult humans within minutes. Unfortunately, there is no known antivenom for its bite.
They are masters of instant camouflage. Special cells called chromatophores allow them to change color and texture in milliseconds. They use this ability to blend into coral reefs or mimic rocks to hide from predators.
The Mimic Octopus acts like other sea creatures. Uniquely, it contorts its body to look like a lionfish, a sea snake, or a flatfish. This performance scares away predators that would normally eat a defenseless octopus.
Most octopuses are orphans from birth. Mothers stop eating to protect their eggs and die shortly after the babies hatch. Therefore, the young must learn to survive entirely on their own from their very first day.
They are older than dinosaurs. Fossil records show that octopus ancestors lived in the oceans roughly 300 million years ago. This means they were swimming around long before the first T-Rex walked the earth.
Boredom can make them eat their own arms. If they are kept in a tank without stimulation, they suffer from high stress. Disturbingly, this can cause a condition called autophagy where they chew on their own limbs.
Finally, they possess a ink cloud defense. When threatened, they shoot a dark cloud of ink mixed with mucus. This cloud not only hides their escape but also dulls the predator’s sense of smell.
