OCTOPUS - Facts And Trivia

The octopus — a cephalopod — is one of the largest, fastest and most intelligent of all invertebrates. There are about 300 species of octopuses (Octopoda) alive today.  Theses species are are divided into two groups, the Cirrina and the Incirrina. The Cirrina (also known as the finned, deep-sea octopuses) are characterized by having two fins on their head and a small internal shell. The Incirrina (the benthic octopuses and argonauts) include many of the better-known species of octopuses, most of which are bottom-dwelling species.  Most species of octopusi can release a thick cloud of black ink that helps to confuse predators and provide the octopus an edge when attempting to escape.  An octopus has three hearts. Two hearts are used to pump blood to each of the octopus' lungs and the third pumps blood throughout the body. Their lifespans vary among species but can be between six months and five years. Since they have no internal or external shell or bones, they can manipulate their body to fit into tight spots. Octopus gets its name from a Greek word, meaning eight-footed. The creature has eight tentacles terminating into adhesive suckers. Do not underestimate the tentacles to be weak, but the fact is each tentacle is capable of lifting weights of almost two kilograms. The Octopus has rotating eyes. It has an ability to align its eyes horizontal even though the body may be aligned at any angle.  The Octopus is all muscles and no bones, typical of the invertebrate characteristics. The body of the Octopus is so flexible that it can squeeze itself out even from a tiny hole. The color of the Octopus blood is blue. They can grow to about 4.3 feet (1.3 meters) in length and weigh up to 22 pounds (10 kilograms), although averages are much smaller.  They prey on crabs, crayfish, and mollusks, and will sometimes use their ink to disorient their victims before attacking. Fast swimmers, they can jet forward by expelling water through their mantles. And their soft bodies can squeeze into impossibly small cracks and crevices where predators can't follow. Common octopuses will collect crustacean shells and other objects to construct fortresses, or "gardens," around their lairs.