Octopus personality
Unknown octopus
Few people would think to look for personality differences in snails or oysters . . .
But their close relative the octopus seems to express a variety of character traits, just as dogs, birds and people do. Scientists working with red octopuses in captivity have identified at least three personality types. In personality studies completed at Puget Sound, the paranoid type of octopus startled easily. This type squirted ink and fled at the tiniest provocation. They avoided feeding on crabs until night, when they could eat in relative seclusion.
In other experiments, the agressive type of octopus rushed to the door of its tank when researchers opened it. These octopuses grabbed objects out of people’s hands and immediately devoured crabs that were dropped in their tanks.
And finally there are passive octopuses. They lurk in corners, shrink away from attention, and let crabs run close to them before striking. Seattle aquarium curator Roland Anderson thinks that octopus personalities developed to help the creatures adapt and survive. Since their eggs float around before they hatch, they might end up hatching in a variety of environments – each demanding a different disposition.
Thanks today to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
The following person was interviewed for today’s program. Our thanks to:
Roland C. Anderson, PhD
Puget Sound Curator
The Seattle Aquarium
Seattle, WA
Links
TONMO.com – The Octopus News Magazine Online
Dr. James Woods’ Cephalapod Page (Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia)
Mote Marine Lab’s Octopus page
Octopuses are Smart Suckers! (Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia)
Octopi or octopuses? (Oregon Coast Aquarium)
Articles
Mather, J.A. and R.C. Anderson. 1993. Personalities of octopuses (Octopus rubescens). J. Comp. Psych. 107(3):336-340.
Sinn, D.L., Perrin, N.A., Mather, J.A., & Anderson, R.C. (2001). Early temperamental traits in an octopus (Octopus bimaculoides). Journal of Comparative Psychology, 115(4).
Author’s notes
The many quirks and wonders of octopuses have captured human imaginations for decades. This poem dates back to 1873.
The Straying ‘Topus
by Tom Hood
Have you heard of the Octopus – “Topus of the feelers eight – How he left his tank o’po’pus Lumpfish to disintegrate
To the lumpfish tank as sprightly As the Brighton coach he’d ride; For two passengers he nightly Found convenient room inside.
But it happened Mr. Lawler, Whom the lumpfish ought to thank, Caught this very early caller, “Dropt-in” on his neighbor’s tank.
For some weeks the world lumpfishious Very strangely vanished had; So the visit was suspicious, And appearances were bad!
Well for him, this brigand larky Was not brought before J.P. (Neither clergy, nor squire-archy) But to Mr. Henry Lee.
Said he, “Punish on suspicion, Is a thing I never will – Catch him in the same position; Then I’ll send him to the Mill!”
Treadmill is a wear-and-tear case, And Octopus would you see, Do four men upon a staircase – Law, how tired the beast would be!
Additional Teacher Resources
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Undersea Research Program: In the Octopus’s Garden
This article explores the mystery behind the giant octopus. Including what little is known about the species, what scientists are trying to learn, and how due to a human taste for octopus, endangerment or worse could come well in advance of an understanding of how and where the giant octopus lives.
National Public Broadcasting Service, Nature, Featured Program: The Octopus Show
A new age of ocean exploration is lifting the veil of mystery shrouding a creature of legend?the octopus. Dreaded by sailors through the ages, this other-worldly looking denizen of the seas is surrendering the astonishing secrets that have brought it almost mythical status. This site is an excellent resource for any topic concerning the octopus. It has a variety of interactive material including video footage, photographs, and links to more information.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Monterey Bay: Red Octopus
This site provides a brief natural history of the red octopus that can be found off the North American west coast from Alaska to Mexico. The topics covered include range, distribution, reproductive habits, diet, defense mechanisms, and social habits.
Dalhousie University, The Cephalopod Page: The Cephalopod Page
This site is a great resource for students as an introduction to cephalopods which include octopuses, squids, cuttlefish and the chambered nautilus. The site is full of natural history facts as well as links to sites with more information including photo and video imagery.
