Each October 8 is celebrated on International Octopus Dayone of the marine species that has survived the longest on Earth. They are molluscs with a rounded body with bilateral symmetryfrom which eight tentacles emerge (hence their name as octopods) equipped with suction cups that form their ambulacral apparatus, that is, they use it to move from one place to another, although they can also swim and propel themselves with the help of water jets. If it loses a tentacle, it is able to regenerate it.
The octopus has skin packed with proteins that are sensitive to light and they are similar to those in the eyes. In addition to the ability to change color, shape and even texture, thanks to subcutaneous organelles called chromatophores. Its preferred defense system is to expel an ‘ink curtain’ behind which it can escape whatever threatens it.
The octopuses they have three hearts: one that is systemic and responsible for the circulation of blood (which is blue) throughout the body and two gill hearts, which propel it through the gills on either side of the head, so that it is purified.
Interesting Octopus Facts
There are approximately 300 species of octopuses known around the world, of which there are many adapted to live in very special circumstances. Most species are able to grow at an unusual speed, reach sexual maturity early and reproduce as quickly as possible, since their lifespan is very short.
I just know they reproduce once in their life and it is common for the male to use a special arm with which he delivers a sperm packet to the female. Once this action is performed, he begins to age rapidly and dies. Meanwhile, the fertilized eggs are carefully guarded by the mother until they hatch. If her young are safe, she dies too.
They are animals with a lot learning abilitywho have been ‘trained’ through positive stimuli and negative consequences (through operant conditioning). They are also able to solve very complex situations and learn on their own the knowledge inherent to their species, as they are solitary creatures.
Threatened with death
The vast majority of octopus species are endangered in some way. According to the IUCN Red List There are some that are classified as vulnerable, but there are also many that are on the brink of extinction. Overfishing, the destruction of their habitats, especially coral and coastal habitats, and pollution are the main causes of the demise of these very old neighbors of the planet.
Octopus farms: a bad idea
The company Nova Pescanova is building one in the Canary Islands octopus farm. An anomaly that has been labeled as disastrous by science and activism. The idea is to place these intelligent and solitary animals in water tanks where they can be raised to market their meat.
From an animal welfare point of view, it is absolutely incompatible with an octopus’ lifestyle to be caged. But in addition, these facilities would entail very serious environmental costs. And having to feed them wild fish will contribute to overfishing. So the project is not only cruel and unnecessary, but also decidedly unsustainable.