The octopus is named after the Greek word ‘Oktattous’, meaning ‘eight legs’.

There are up to 289 different species inhabiting the diverse regions of the oceans, from coral reefs to the deep-sea.

Octopuses have soft bodies with no skeleton. They move by crawling or swimming and also use jet propulsion — expelling jets of water to move along.

Experiments have shown that the octopus has both a short and long-term memory. They can also distinguish between different shapes and patterns.

Their defence mechanisms include: ink sacs; camouflage; and autonomous limbs. Some octopuses can detach their limbs when attacked, using the detached arm as a decoy. Two-thirds of an octopus’s neurons are found in its body.

They have a keen eyesight and sense of touch. The suction cups on an octopus’s arms enable it to taste what it is touching.

They have a short life span, ranging from six months to five years for larger species.

In Japan, the octopus is eaten as sushi. In Korea they are eaten alive.

They are also kept as pets in many countries, and have been known to escape from their tanks due to their intelligence, mobility, and problem solving skills.

Find out more about octopuses by visiting The Cephalopod Page on Dr. Wood’s website: www.thecephalopodpage.org/