Octopus shows amazing color changing ability

Octopus are one of the most amazing predators on the reef. Highly intelligent, powerful, and agile, they are a predator to be reckoned with. They also have the ability to smoothly change colors to match their surroundings. This makes it difficult to see them approaching, giving them the ability to sneak up on prey and envelop them in a flash. It also makes them nearly impossible for predators to detect. They are able to view the coral and rocks around them and then change their pigmentation to match. Incredibly, they can take on various colors at once, allowing them to blend in with several different objects at the same time. They can literally be a blue/grey on one side and tan on the other. Even their texture changes to match their environment.Show more

Octopus have a highly developed brain in order to exhibit so much control over their bodies. They are able to move eight arms independently, control their color, and body shape simultaneously. They can contract specific suction cups on their tentacles while doing so in order to grip objects. In comparison, humans find it difficult to manage complex tasks with both hands at the same time.

Octopus are also known for their ability to reason and learn. Researchers discovered that they can be taught to perform tasks such as opening jars to reach food. They can even learn this simply by watching the task being performed. In captivity, they have been known to leave their tank, enter adjacent tanks to eat catch food and then return to their own tanks afterward.

This Octopus was found under a ledge of coral off one of the Galapagos Islands. He emerged from the dark crevice with a blue coloring and then changed to tan and grey. As he moved across the rocks and algae, he changed to brilliant blues and greens and back to tan, depending on the surfaces beside him. He constantly probed cracks and crevices with his arms, searching for crabs and small fish that could be hiding within. As he reached a gap between the rocks, he used vents to propel water backwards, launching him through the water to the rock in front.

Octopus are one of the most unusual and amazing creatures in the ocean. Scuba divers are fascinated by these animals and consider it a rare treat when they encounter one in the open.