Octopus (Octopus sp.)
Hiding in its lair during the day, the octopus is an active hunter at night; using its hard parrot-like beak for biting, poisonous salivary glands to paralyse and kill its prey, and a radula that rasps its food to pieces. As it feeds on fishes, crabs and other molluscs, its lair entrance can often be identified by a pile of discarded shells from its prey.
Octopus belong to a group of animals known as cephalopods, meaning "head foot" as the muscular foot or tentacles appear to be connected to the head. This group also includes cuttlefish, squid and nautilus.
Masters of the art of camouflage, they have the ability to rapidly change their colour to blend in with their surroundings. They also have a sac that can discharge a cloud of ink to confuse and escape from predators such as sharks.
Cephalopods are highly intelligent, with an advanced nervous system, a well-developed head and complex eyes, but they have a relatively short life span and they die after reproducing.
Warning: Be careful when handling dead shells, empty cans and bottles, as these are great places for the deadly blue ring octopus to hide!
