The Things I've Learned...

Yesterday was a weird bug now today I have a weird sea creature. The octopus. The octopus is definitely a strange animal. Strange but certainly one of the most wonderful creatures in the sea. They are extremely smart and very versatile in the things they can do. There are 289 different octopus species and some of the things I'm going to let you know probably don't apply to every species. The facts I've looked up refer to the Giant Pacific Octopus. First off, one of the coolest abilities of an octopus is it's ability to camouflage. It can change the coloration of its skin almost instantaneously. As I've heard it said before, "The Octopus can out-chameleon the chameleon." They can not only change the color of their skin but they can change the shape and texture so much that they can really look like whatever it is they are mimicking. This is especially useful when they are looking for food because they can make themselves blend in completely with the sea floor. Then, when a fish swims overhead, WHAM!, they reach out and grab it with their tentacles (For some video of this camouflage ability check out the links below). This camouflage of course also helps them avoid predators as well.

Another way they can avoid predators is by the use of ink. When provoked they can quickly create a cloud of ink to shield their getaway from whatever is chasing them. They also have the ability to "blast off" quickly by pulling in and forcing water from their bodies.

So anyway, everyone knows that the octopus has tentacles. They usually have four pairs, or eight total, tentacles. The tentacles are lined with suction cups that the octopus uses for many things. They use them to move about the sea floor where they live. They also use them for grabbing and "sticking" to prey. Once an octopus has you wrapped in its tentacles it's not very likely you'll escape. The tentacles are also super-sensitive so that they can feel even the slightest movements of nearby fish. The tentacles are so sensitive in fact that they can even taste things just by touching them.

Ummm, well, that's about all I have. For more information along with some pictures and videos of these amazing creatures check out the links below. Oh, one other thing I wanted to mention. If you've seen the website about the endangered Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus, it is all bogus. Don't believe anything they say there. That being said it is a very funny and well done site and worth a look. :)

Here are the links:
1.) Giant Pacific Octopus info at the NPCA website
2.) The Octopus Show (PBS) - There are some great images and videos here.
3.) CephBase - this link goes directly to their video section. This site has info on many of the different octopus and squid species (cephalopods).
4.) Octopus on Wikipedia
5.) Ocean Explorer area of NOAA - above pic taken from this page.