Oktopusse

Oktopusse, the German name for octopuses, denote eight-armed marine mollusks in the class Cephalopoda. In English, the usual plural is octopuses, with octopi as an older alternative. Most octopod species belong to the family Octopodidae, within the order Octopoda, and include hundreds of described species.

Anatomy and senses are central to their biology. Octopuses have eight flexible arms lined with suction cups, a beak-like jaw, and no internal skeleton, allowing them to squeeze through tight gaps. They possess well-developed eyes and a relatively large brain for invertebrates. Their skin contains chromatophores, iridophores, and leucophores that enable rapid color and pattern changes for camouflage and communication, and they can also alter the texture of their skin. Movement is achieved by a combination of crawling on the seafloor and jet propulsion.

Habitat and behavior vary but are widely distributed across oceans. Octopuses inhabit environments from shallow coastal zones to deep seas, often in crevices or caves. They are typically solitary and nocturnal hunters, feeding on crabs, mollusks, and small fish. Defense against predators often relies on camouflage, rapid escape, and the release of a cloud of ink. Some species display notable problem-solving abilities and tool use.

Life cycle and reproduction involve substantial energy investment. Males transfer sperm using a specialized arm called a hectocotylus. Females lay thousands of eggs and guard them until they hatch, usually dying soon after. Lifespans are generally short, commonly one to two years, though some larger species live longer.

Human interactions and conservation vary by species. Oktopusse have long been subjects of cognitive research and appear in captivity and the seafood trade. They face threats from overfishing, habitat degradation, and pollution, with conservation status ranging from least concern to threatened in several regions.