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contrary to the widespread misuse of the term, octopuses do not have tentacles
The '''octopus''' is one of a number of kinds of predatory marine [[cephalopod]] [[mollusc]]s, found in the warmer seas of the world.
The '''octopus''' is one of a number of kinds of predatory marine [[cephalopod]] [[mollusc]]s, found in the warmer seas of the world.
Generally less actively swimming than fellow cephalopods [[squid]] and [[cuttlefish]], an octopus has eight suckered [[tentacle]]s used for attachment to rocks and to prey. To move, it may pull itself over the sea bed with its tentacles, but when in a hurry, it shoots a jet of water out of its body, thrusting it through the water.
Generally less actively swimming than fellow cephalopods [[squid]] and [[cuttlefish]], an octopus has eight flexible suckered arms, used for grasping rocks and prey as well as proppelling the octopus. To move, it may pull itself over the sea bed with its tentacles, but when in a hurry, it shoots a jet of water out of its body, thrusting it through the water.
Octopuses use [[chromatophore]]s to perfectly camouflage themselves against their background. When threatened, they can eject a cloud of ink to mask their escape. They can compress their bodies to fit through minute apertures.
Octopuses use [[chromatophore]]s to perfectly camouflage themselves against their background. When threatened, they can eject a cloud of ink to mask their escape. They can compress their bodies to fit through minute apertures.
Octopuses, after engulfing prey in their tentacles, inject it with venom. Some, such as the blue-ringed octopus of Australia, are highly venomous and are capable of killing a man with their bite.
Octopuses, after engulfing prey in their tentacles, inject it with venom. Some, such as the blue-ringed octopus of Australia, are highly venomous and are capable of killing a man with their bite.
Octopus is a popular seafood, especially in [[Mediterranean]] cuisine, though it must be cooked carefully to avoid the flesh becoming rubbery.
Octopus is a popular seafood, especially in [[Mediterranean]] and [[Oriental]] cuisines, though it must be cooked carefully to avoid the flesh becoming rubbery.
''The Octopus'' is also the name of novel by [[Frank Norris]].
''The Octopus'' is also the name of novel by [[Frank Norris]].
[[Category:Molluscs]]
[[Category:Molluscs]]
[[Category:Seafood]]
[[Category:Seafood]]