The Octopus: An Alien Among Us

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Octopuses have been inspirations for monsters throughout our history.

Ever heard the term “RELEASE THE KRAKEN!” The Kraken is a legendary sea monster of gigantic size and cephalopod-like appearance in Scandinavian folklore. Stories generally describe it as a terrifyingly enormous octopus creature that attacks a ship.

Although the stories of the Kraken have been told for ages, we are at least 100% sure that Octopuses are real. (even though, we should still just keep an eye out for the Kraken!)

Octopuses are fascinating sea animals with eight long tentacles for arms, rounded bodies, bulging eyes and a heck of a lot of weird gooeyness in between. They love warm tropical waters but can be found all throughout the oceans.

Octopuses, with their otherworldly intelligence, stand as enigmatic marvels in the animal kingdom, a testament to the sheer diversity of life on Earth. Far removed from us on the evolutionary tree, these invertebrates are nothing short of terrestrial aliens, showcasing cognitive abilities that rival those of the most celebrated minds in the animal world.

Diving into the realm of scientific nomenclature, these creatures bear the title Octopoda, a nod to their eight-limbed existence. With a family that boasts over 250 distinct species, octopuses present a kaleidoscope of adaptability and survival prowess. Their biological architecture includes three hearts, a feature that underscores their physiological uniqueness.

The life cycle of an octopus carries a poignant narrative, especially for females, who embark on a sacrificial journey, laying down their lives after the hatching of their eggs. The intricate dance of octopus mating is a marathon event, stretching for several hours, a testament to their enduring nature.

Intriguingly, all octopuses come equipped with venom, an evolutionary tool that speaks to their survival strategies. Some species claim the abyssal depths of over 10,000 feet as their home, thriving in realms far removed from human reach. When faced with danger, their instinctive expulsion of ink stands as a cunning defence mechanism, a smokescreen to confound predators.

These cephalopods are not just survivors; they are adept swimmers too, capable of reaching speeds up to 40 km/h. Their lore transcends the bounds of science, weaving into the tapestry of mythology, with tales reminiscent of the formidable Kraken.

In linguistic terms, the pluralization of ‘octopus’ can tread down two paths: octopuses or octopi, each a correct homage to these multifaceted beings. A remarkable display of their resilience is their ability to regrow lost limbs, a physical manifestation of their indomitable spirit.

In every facet, from their profound intelligence to their mythological stature, octopuses captivate the imagination, challenging our perceptions of life’s potential across the vast expanse of the ocean’s depths.

The most ancient octopus fossil discovered to date hails from the Carboniferous period, approximately 296 million years ago, offering a glimpse into the deep past of these fascinating creatures. This prehistoric relic, a testament to the enduring legacy of octopuses through the eons, is proudly exhibited at the Field Museum in Chicago, USA, inviting visitors to marvel at the evolutionary journey of these enigmatic beings from the depths of time.

Octopuses, in their evolutionary marvel, boast not just eight tentacles but also a trio of hearts, each playing a pivotal role in their unique circulatory system. Two of these hearts are dedicated to propelling blood past the gills, ensuring efficient oxygenation, while the third heart is tasked with maintaining blood flow to the organs. Intriguingly, this central heart ceases its beat during swimming, shedding light on the octopus’s preference for crawling over swimming. This cessation explains the creature’s aversion to prolonged swimming, as it can lead to significant exhaustion, highlighting a fascinating aspect of their survival strategy in the aquatic realm.

Octopuses are not only masters of physiological adaptation but also exhibit remarkable cognitive abilities, including the use of tools, problem-solving, and displays of creativity that defy expectations. A now-iconic demonstration of their intelligence is their ability to unscrew the top of a glass jar to access a tempting treat inside, showcasing their problem-solving skills and dexterity.

The neurological architecture of an octopus is equally fascinating, with a central brain orchestrating its complex behaviours and an additional, smaller neural hub located in each arm. This configuration offers a unique blend of centralized and distributed control, allowing each arm to operate independently while still being guided by the central brain. This sophisticated neural arrangement underpins their extraordinary adaptability and ingenuity, further cementing the octopus’s status as one of the ocean’s most intriguing inhabitants.

The octopus stands out in the animal kingdom with its decentralized brain system, where the majority of its neurons are not centralised in the head but are distributed throughout its arms. This unique neurological setup leads to the fascinating impression that an octopus possesses nine distinct brains — one central brain and eight subsidiary ones in each arm. Each tentacle operates with a degree of autonomy, equipped with its own sense of touch, taste, and the ability to execute basic movements independently.

This intriguing aspect of octopus biology was vividly illustrated by underwater photographer Justin Hofman during a scuba diving expedition off the coast of Alaska. Hofman encountered a giant Pacific octopus, capturing a mesmerizing interaction that showcased the creature’s remarkable attributes and the almost otherworldly nature of its intelligence and behaviour.

Octopuses possess the astonishing ability to transform their skin colour almost instantaneously, a feat made possible by specialised cells known as ‘chromatophores.’ Nestled beneath their skin, these remarkable cells house a kaleidoscope of pigments, allowing octopuses to undergo dramatic colour changes. This capability is not just for display; it serves as a crucial tool for camouflage, communication, and predator evasion, showcasing the adaptability and ingenuity of these remarkable creatures in their underwater realm.

Seeking one more tidbit to solidify the notion that octopuses are the aliens of our oceans? Look no further than the hue of their blood – a striking shade of blue! This extraterrestrial-like characteristic is due to hemocyanin, the oxygen-transporting metalloprotein in their blood, which becomes more efficient than haemoglobin in cold, low-oxygen environments. Unlike haemoglobin, which is housed within red blood cells, hemocyanin is dissolved directly in the plasma, lending the octopus’s blood its distinctive bluish tint. Sure, science offers a rational explanation, but the fact remains – octopuses harbour a myriad of alien-like traits that continue to captivate and mystify.