10 Amazing Facts About Octopus
- Jun 5
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 25
Mysterious, intelligent, and endlessly fascinating, octopus is unlike any other creature in the sea, or on land. With three hearts, blue blood, and arms that seem to have minds of their own, this eight-legged marvel has captivated scientists and storytellers alike. Whether it’s squeezing through impossibly tiny spaces or vanishing in a cloud of ink, the octopus feels more like a science fiction alien than a real-life animal. In this post, we’re diving deep into some of the most amazing facts about octopuses that will make you see them in a whole new light.
Octopus Amazing Facts
Octopuses Have Three Hearts
Although most octopuses are physically smaller than humans, they have three hearts in their bodies. Two hearts pump blood to the gills, and one circulates it to the rest of the body. Interestingly, the heart that supplies the body stops beating when they swim, which may explain their preference for crawling over swimming.
Their Blood Is Blue
Unlike humans, octopuses have blue blood due to a copper-rich protein called hemocyanin. This adaptation is actually more efficient than hemoglobin for transporting oxygen in cold, low-oxygen environments.
Their Arms Can Think Independently
Approximately two-thirds of an octopus’s neurons reside in its arms, allowing them to taste, touch, and even operate autonomously. Remarkably, severed arms can continue to react to stimuli and attempt to feed.
Masters of Problem-Solving
As you may have seen some videos of octopuses solving puzzles, octopuses are renowned for their intelligence. They can navigate mazes, solve puzzles, open jars, and have been observed using tools like coconut shells for shelter.
Camouflage Experts
Octopuses can rapidly change their skin color and texture to blend seamlessly with their surroundings, aiding in both predation and evasion. Some species, like the mimic octopus, can impersonate other marine animals.
Octopuses Have Both Arms and Legs
While commonly referred to as having eight arms, octopuses actually use six limbs as arms and two as legs for locomotion along the sea floor.
The Giant Pacific Octopus Is Enormous
The largest recorded giant Pacific octopus weighed about 600 pounds and spanned 30 feet across, comparable in length to a London bus.
Detach One Arm For Mating
Some male octopus species detach a modified arm called the hectocotylus during mating. This specialized arm carries sperm and is used to inseminate the female. In some cases, the male detaches the entire arm and leaves it with the female, who may then use it to fertilize her eggs over time.
Octopuses Can Recognize Individual Humans
Studies have shown that octopuses can distinguish between different human individuals, responding uniquely to each person.
Ink as a Defense Mechanism
When threatened, octopuses release a cloud of ink to obscure predators’ vision and facilitate escape. This ink can also dull a predator’s sense of smell and taste.
Comments