Happy World Octopus Day! The giant Pacific octopus explores its world using touch and smell, thanks to the thousands of chemical receptors and millions of texture receptors that line the rims of its suckers.
Studies have shown that octopuses learn easily, including learning by observation of another octopus.
They can solve problems, as when they remove a plug or unscrew a lid to get prey from a container.
They are the first invertebrates to be seen using tools,
such as using coconut shells to hide from potential predators and using
rocks and jets of water in a way that could be classified as tool use.
Common octopuses will collect crustacean shells and other objects to
construct fortresses, or “gardens,” around their lairs. Other octopuses
carry shells for protection.
They have been found to play with a ‘toy’ and to have individual
responses and individual temperaments, with some scientists believing
they have individual personalities.
All octopuses are venomous, but only the small blue-ringed octopuses are known to be deadly to humans.
(via Starfish and Sand Dollar Knobs)
Observe the disc shaped objects sticking out of the sand as the octopus swims merrily along. Those are living Sand Dollars!
Have you met #Gumball yet? She was out in full force this evening closing it down in #NorthernPacific gallery. #Volunteer #Education #Octopus #red #frolickinggypsies @frolicking_gypsyii @pax_i_xap @trent_bowman @sophiabeeaa @loganqdawson @legendofjaden_ (at Aquarium of the Pacific)
