kopffüßer

Kopffüßer is a German term that translates to "cephalopod" in English. This term refers to a class of marine mollusks belonging to the class Cephalopoda. These fascinating creatures are characterized by their distinctive head and a ring of tentacles or arms that surround the mouth. This defining anatomical feature gives them their name.

The most well-known examples of kopffüßer include octopuses, squids, cuttlefish, and nautiluses. They inhabit oceans worldwide, from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea. Kopffüßer exhibit a wide range of sizes, from small, finger-sized species to colossal squid. Their bodies are typically soft and unsegmented, though some, like the nautilus, possess an external shell.

These marine invertebrates are highly intelligent and possess advanced sensory systems, including complex eyes. Many species are capable of camouflage, changing their skin color and texture rapidly to blend in with their surroundings. They move using jet propulsion, expelling water from a siphon, and many possess ink sacs that they can release to confuse predators. Kopffüßer are an important part of marine ecosystems, serving as both predators and prey.