Everywhere I look, there are news stories about octopi.  We had a lot of calls and comments about our recent video post titled Shark vs Octopus.  It seems that everyone is intrigued at the exploits and capabilities of these beautiful, but misunderstood sea creatures.  Demonstrating strength and dexterity far beyond what seems possible, the octopus clearly is a one-of-a-kind animal.  Not long after I made this post, another news story surfaced about an octopus at the Santa Monica Pier  Aquarium.  It seems this little fellow manipulated a valve in an aquarium tank and caused an overnight flood.  Now, another octopus in the news.

Truman, the eight-legged, thirty pound attraction at the New England Aquarium in Boston surprised officials and visitors when he reacted quite unexpectedly to a task laid before him by caretakers.  It seems that aquarium employees like to combine feeding with “enrichment activities” to challenge the more intelligent animals.  In this situation, they placed a snack of tasty crabs inside a latched clear acrylic box.  Of course, they expected Truman to manipulate the latch and retrieve the snack.  Instead, Truman slightly dislodged the hinged top and proceeded to pack himself tightly into the box.  In fact, he got his entire 30 pound body into the acrylic case that was no larger than a milk crate.  After spending about 30 minutes in the box, he smoothly slid outside.  Staff and visitors who observed the feat were thrilled.  Based on the news, octopi are fully capable of surprise.

Phil Ellis

Discount Scuba Gear at DiveSport.com