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The common octopus is usually found in the shallow waters of tropical, subtropical, and temperate areas, it is considered by many to be a fascinating creature. Common octopus sizes range from 60 to 90 cm (24-36 in.) in length. They are perhaps more famous for having eight long limbs protruding from a globe-shaped head. Each tentacle has two rows of suckers that can both sense and taste. While previously it was believed that the octopus’s appendages were all arms, recent studies by marine biologist have shown that two of the limbs act more as legs, allowing it to walk across the sea floor and push off when swimming. Common octopuses also has the useful ability of regenerating tentacles if they happen to lose one.
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The common octopus is classified as a mollusk: which are soft-bodied invertebrates with or without shells. It has no skeletal structure but does possess a skull, that is used to protect its brain. It also has a sharp beak and a toothed tongue called a radula, which it uses to pry open and drill into the shells of prey, like crabs and clams. Once they break into the shells, some octopuses are also capable of injecting paralysing poison onto its prey.
The octopus employs numerous defence tactics against predators and other underwater dangers. In the first method, pigment cells in the skin contract to allow for uncanny camouflage abilities rendering the octopus nearly invisible. In addition to changing color, they also adapt the texture of their skin and their body posture to blend in seamlessly with their surroundings.The octopus may also adopt deflective markings to scare away potential predators. The areas around the eyes, suckers, arms, and web may darken so the octopus appears more threatening to others. Their coloration also reflects their mood. While their pigmentation is normally brown, octopuses may turn white, which shows fear, or red, which demonstrates anger, do you know other animals that change color like octopuses?Another defence tactic is running away. Octopuses can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h for short bursts of time. They can also leave black ink behind preventing predators from seeing them.
The octopus employs numerous defence tactics against predators and other underwater dangers. In the first method, pigment cells in the skin contract to allow for uncanny camouflage abilities rendering the octopus nearly invisible. In addition to changing color, they also adapt the texture of their skin and their body posture to blend in seamlessly with their surroundings.The octopus may also adopt deflective markings to scare away potential predators. The areas around the eyes, suckers, arms, and web may darken so the octopus appears more threatening to others. Their coloration also reflects their mood. While their pigmentation is normally brown, octopuses may turn white, which shows fear, or red, which demonstrates anger, do you know other animals that change color like octopuses?Another defence tactic is running away. Octopuses can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h for short bursts of time. They can also leave black ink behind preventing predators from seeing them.
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Octopuses are solitary animals who make their homes in rocks and coral or dig burrows. They scatter rocks and other underwater debris to hide under it. They only ever leave this dens either to eat or to reproduce. In early spring, octopuses move closer to shore so that they can mate. Barely two months after mating, the female releases up to 500,000 eggs! She then spends her time taking care of the eggs by cleaning the them, providing oxygen by squirting water, and by fending off potential predators.Soon after the eggs hatch, both the male and female octopuses die; an octopus' lifespan last only 12-18 months. Meanwhile, the hatchlings are then carried away by currents, where they will feed on plankton. Of all the eggs released only about one or two octopuses survive until adulthood.
Though not officials considered to be a threatened species, octopuses are actively hunted for food in Asia and the Mediterranean. This activities may one day result in a dangerous decrease in the octopus population if not regulated properly.
Though not officials considered to be a threatened species, octopuses are actively hunted for food in Asia and the Mediterranean. This activities may one day result in a dangerous decrease in the octopus population if not regulated properly.