Why do Male Octopuses Die after Mating? (How does Octopus Senescence work?)

Death is inevitable for male octopuses once they’ve mated because they stop feeding, they become uncoordinated, often attracting predators in the wild, and they lose the ability to heal their skin. This period near the end of life, called senescence, is driven by secretions from the optic gland that trigger the reproductive organs while inactivating … Read more

How Smart are Octopuses? (Are Octopuses As Intelligent as Dogs?)

Octopus photo

Cephalopods, including octopuses, are the smartest invertebrates on the planet.  They can use tools, carry coconut shells for shelter, stack rocks to protect their dens, and carry jellyfish tentacles for defense.  In captivity, they can learn to solve puzzles, open screw-top jars, and squirt humans they don’t like.  And they are about as smart as … Read more

Can Octopus Arms Grow Back? (Are Regenerated Limbs Just as Good?)

Photo showing octopus

Octopuses can regenerate entire arms, even though each arm has a mini brain and an extensive network of neurons.  Healing begins with undifferentiated stem cells that develop into specialized cells, such as the nerve and muscle cells of a new arm.  Regenerated arms are as good as new and perform as fully functional replacements for … Read more

Why do Octopuses have 9 Brains, 3 Hearts, and Blue Blood? Surprising Facts About Smart Suckers!

Octopus by Jeahn Laffitte on Unsplash

Learning about fascinating creatures is a passion of mine, and one of the most amazing creatures I’ve run across is the octopus.  The description in the title above says it all – these animals are REALLY INTERESTING!!  Be prepared to have your mind stretched in eight different directions! Octopuses have 9 brains because, in addition … Read more