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World Octopus Day

The 8th of October. Is there a better date to celebrate World Octopus Day?

Fans can look forward to spending 24 hours in admiration of these charming cephalopods.

The popular Netflix film, My Octopus Teacher, documented the relationship between the filmmaker and an octopus he visited daily. This eye-opening portrayal gave viewers an insight into the lives and abilities of these eight-limbed creatures.

So what makes the octopus so fascinating?

Here are 8 facts about them:

1. They’ve got big brains

Considered to be very intelligent, captive octopuses have managed daring and clever escapes from their tanks. They can navigate mazes and even unscrew jars. In the wild, they construct elaborate hiding places and protective barriers. Paradoxically, for a creature of such intelligence, they live relatively short lives. Most octopus species only live for one or two years.

2. There are many species

The octopus is a cephalopod. The word cephalopod means ‘head foot’ in Greek, given that their heads and feet are connected. This group of marine invertebrates also includes squid, cuttlefish and nautilus along with other species. In fact, there are over 800 recorded species so far with more to be discovered.

3. Graceful movers

Like other cephalopods, the octopus propels itself through the ocean using jets of water. They fill their body cavity with water then squirt it through a syphon. They can also walk or crawl on the ocean floor using their strong tentacles. The common octopus can swim at speeds of nearly 25 miles per hour!

4. Fascinating anatomy

The octopus uses its suckers for grabbing prey, manipulating objects and even tasting. They also have three hearts. Their powerful beak lets them crack open shells with ease. Their lack of skeleton means they can squeeze into the smallest of spaces. The blue-ringed octopus is venomous and known to be one of the most deadly creatures in the sea.

5. Camouflage experts

Octopus skin changes colour to help them blend in with their surroundings. The mimic octopus goes one stage further. It impersonates other sea-dwelling creatures to protect itself from predators. Amongst others, it can disguise itself as a sea snake, a lionfish and an eel.

6. They regenerate arms

If they lose a limb, they grow another one. Sometimes an octopus sacrifices a limb to escape the jaws of a predator. The regenerated tentacle is as good as new, complete with nerves and suckers. This ability has led researchers to investigate the mechanisms behind it. Perhaps one day we will have the same ability?

7. Protective parents

Octopuses are committed to the survival of their species. Shortly after mating, the male octopus will die. After using up all their energy for growing and mating, they fade away. The female octopus is so focused on the survival of her young that she neglects to feed herself. She protects them from predators and provides them with oxygen until they hatch. Shortly after, she will die.

8. Different sizes

There are a huge variety of octopuses. The giant Pacific octopus is the largest species in the world. They can measure over 15 feet long and weigh up to 50 kilograms. The smallest octopus is octopus wolfi. This little specimen can sit on the tip of your finger and weighs less than a gram.

The most commonly used plural for the octopus is octopuses, but using octopi is perfectly acceptable.

Often considered as the aliens of the sea, they are definitely different.

By Jessica White