If you’ve ever locked eyes with an octopus on a dive, you’ll know how enchanting they are. With their curious gaze, fluid movement, and undeniable smarts, octopuses are among the most fascinating creatures in the sea. Here are 10 fun facts about octopuses that show just how remarkable they really are.
1. They’re seriously smart
Octopuses are among the most intelligent marine animals. They can solve puzzles, open jars, and even use tools. Some have been caught on camera escaping aquariums and sneaking into neighbouring tanks for a late-night feed!
2. They’ve got blue blood
Their blood is blue because it contains haemocyanin — a copper-based molecule that’s more efficient than haemoglobin at carrying oxygen in cold, low-oxygen environments. Perfect for their deep-sea lifestyle.
3. Three hearts — no kidding!
An octopus has three hearts — two pump blood to the gills, and the third circulates it around the rest of the body. When they swim, that main heart actually stops beating, which is why they prefer crawling along the seafloor.
4. Each arm has a mind of its own
Two-thirds of an octopus’s neurons are in its arms, not its head. Each arm can feel, taste, and make independent decisions — meaning they can explore or manipulate objects all on their own.
5. Masters of disguise
Using chromatophores, iridophores and leucophores, octopuses can instantly change their colour, pattern and texture. It helps them blend in with coral or sand — or flash bright warning signals when threatened.
6. Vanishing act
When danger strikes, octopuses eject a cloud of ink to hide their escape. The ink even contains chemicals that dull a predator’s sense of smell and taste. Clever little escape artists!
7. No bones, all bendy
With no skeleton at all, octopuses can squeeze through gaps as tiny as a five-cent coin — as long as their beak fits through. That flexibility makes them masters of getting in (and out) of tight spots.
8. Devoted mums
After laying her eggs, a female octopus cares for them continuously — cleaning and protecting them for months without eating. Once the babies hatch, the exhausted mum usually dies soon after — her life’s mission complete.
9. They taste with their suckers
Each sucker on an octopus’s arms can taste and feel, allowing them to “taste” their environment just by touching it. That’s a pretty handy feature when hunting for food on the reef.
10. Nature’s best impersonator
The mimic octopus is the ocean’s best copycat — able to imitate lionfish, flatfish and even sea snakes to fool predators. It’s one of the most extraordinary examples of natural mimicry in the animal kingdom.
The Ocean’s Eight-Limbed Wonder
Next time you spot an octopus on a dive, take a moment to appreciate its brilliance. From its camouflage skills to its curiosity, it’s one of the most fascinating creatures you can meet underwater.
