The octopus may be known for its tentacles, ink blasts, and starring role in sea-themed children’s stories, but did you know that it also has some extraordinary abilities that make it one of the most fascinating creatures in the animal kingdom?

Here are some incredible facts about the octopus that you may not have known:

1. They have highly developed brains

In proportion to their body size, octopuses have the biggest brains of any invertebrates. They are incredibly intelligent animals and are known for their advanced problem-solving skills, their ability to use tools, and their impressive memory.

2. They have the ability to change color and texture

Octopuses can change the color and texture of their skin almost instantly to blend in with their surroundings and hide from predators. They do this by contracting and expanding special pigment cells in their skin called chromatophores. Some species also have special skin cells that can change the texture of the skin to match the texture of their surroundings.

3. They can squeeze through tiny spaces

Octopuses can fit through incredibly small spaces because they don’t have any bones in their bodies. Their extremely flexible bodies allow them to contort and squeeze through narrow gaps and crevices.

4. They can regrow limbs

If an octopus loses a limb, it isn’t a big deal. Octopuses can regenerate their limbs if they are damaged or lost. The regenerated limb isn’t an exact copy of the original, but it is fully functional and can help the octopus escape from predators.

5. They have three hearts

Octopuses have three hearts that work together to pump blood around their bodies. Two of the hearts pump blood to the gills, while the third heart pumps blood to the rest of the body.

6. They can taste with their skin

Octopuses have thousands of suckers on their tentacles that are extremely sensitive to touch and taste. They use these suckers to explore their environment and hunt for food.

7. They are skilled escape artists

Octopuses are known for their ability to escape from captivity. They have been observed opening jars, unscrewing lids, and crawling out of tanks to reach food or water. Some octopuses even use their tentacles to create a makeshift ladder to climb out of a tank.

In conclusion, the octopus is an incredibly fascinating animal with some extraordinary abilities that make it stand out in the animal kingdom. From their highly developed brains to their ability to change color and texture, there’s no denying that the octopus is truly an amazing creature.