Researchers Intrigued by Octopuses Observed on the Run

Octopuses, known for using camouflage to avoid predators, have been observed apparently trying to sneak away by walking on two arms while pretending to be a bunch of algae.

Two kinds of octopus were seen to use different ways of walking along the sea floor, researchers report in today’s issue of the journal Science.

The movements were discovered by Christine L. Huffard of UC Berkeley, who was studying underwater videotapes of the animals as part of a robotics project.

Octopuses trying to avoid being eaten usually hold still to camouflage themselves. But by walking on two arms, these two types were able to move quickly while using their other arms to disguise themselves.

Two individuals of O. marginatus from Indonesia wrapped six arms around themselves, looking like a coconut on the sea floor. They then used the two rear arms to move backward.

In Australia, O. aculeatus was observed raising two arms above its head before lifting four more and moving backward on the two remaining arms. The researchers described it as looking like “a clump of algae tiptoeing away.”

The researchers said they thought the octopuses were trying to flee predators, but said that they could not be sure until they had seen more examples of the behavior.

The research was funded by the American Malacological Society and the National Science Foundation.