per 100 grams
Carbohydrates 4.4 g
4.4%
Proteins 29.8 g
29.8%
Fats 2.1 g
2.1%
Water 60.5 g
60.5%
Sugar 0 ug
Fiber 0 ug
Ash 3.2 grams

Octopus

164 Calories per 100g

The octopus is a species of cephalopods - a group of aquatic animals with a symmetrical body and a large head - that is highly adaptable and intelligent. In fact, octopuses are widely regarded as one of the most intelligent creatures in the animal kingdom. From their unique set of tentacles to their amazing disguises, let’s take a closer look at these fascinating creatures.

What Is an Octopus?

Octopuses are invertebrates, meaning they’re without a spine, and come from the family Octopodidae. They’re most commonly found in tropical oceans around the world, although some species can also be found in colder climates. The majority of octopuses range in size from 10 cm (4 inches) to 1.5 m (5 feet). The largest octopus ever recorded was a giant Pacific octopus, which stretched to an impressive 5.5 m (18 feet) in length and 94 kg (207 pounds) in weight! Generally octopuses have eight arms, though some species can have up to ten. Each arm is covered in suction cups, allowing the octopus to grip objects.

Adaptable and Intelligent

Octopuses have an incredible ability to adapt to their environment and have some of the most complex behaviors in the animal kingdom. They are able to solve puzzles as well as escape from complex enclosures and may even be able to recognize faces. Octopuses are curious creatures and will often explore unfamiliar items by toying with them, tasting them and examining their texture.

Octopuses are well known for their intelligence, problem-solving abilities and overall complexity. In particular, they are highly skilled escape artists, adept at finding ways to get out of confined spaces, including opening jars and aquarium tanks using their maneuverable tentacles. These animals recognize signs of danger and can generate quick reactions, such as squirting ink as a means of escape.

Camouflaging and Disguise

The octopus is also known for its remarkable camouflage and disguise skills, which it uses to either hide from potential predators or fool potential prey into thinking its something else entirely. This can involve changing the skin color and texture to match its surroundings - a process called “chromatophores” - as well as controlling its body shape and movements to appear as something different, such as a plant or rock. Octopuses have also been known to mimic the behavior of other animals, such as sharks or jellyfish, in order to scare away potential predators.

Diet and Hunting

Octopuses feed mainly on live fish, crustaceans and mollusks. They capture their prey using their long arms and powerful suckers, and then dispatch the victims using their beak-like mouth, which contains venomous saliva. Octopuses are opportunistic, so will often scavenge for food or simply wait for their prey to come to them.

A Unique Set of Tentacles and Suckers

Octopuses have a unique set of tentacles, which occur in two different forms. The first two of these - the “hectocotylus” and “aciculus” - contain venom-filled suckers. This venom is used to paralyze prey, making it easier to catch and devour. The remaining eight tentacles are equipped with small suction cups, allowing them to grip objects and avoid predators.

Conclusion

The octopus is a fascinating and intelligent creature, capable of adapting to their environment, disguising themselves to fool predators, and even solving puzzles. Their unique set of tentacles and suckers enable them to grip objects and capture their prey, making them successful predators. With their remarkable talents, it’s no wonder that octopuses have long been held in admiration.