There has been much debate and controversy in the study of Cephalopod intelligence with many researchers arguing about the true intelligence of these creatures. Undeniably though, cephalopods comprising of the order of cuttlefish, squid and octopus, exhibit remarkable case, spatial learning capacity, navigational abilities, communication skills and predatory techniques.
Cephalopods class of mollusks are known to be the most intelligent of marine invertebrates, often using complex “reasoning” to locate and hunt down its prey. What baffles most researchers is that the octopus has a very short life span of usually 2 years, making the need for such intelligence unnecessary. Also the Octopus is not a social creature, and have no parent/sibling source to learn from, and hence most intelligent behavior is picked up by the octopus from its own interactions. It has though been noted that the cephalopod family have large brains which are indeed capable of storing and processing complex information.
Movement
Octopus have eight large boneless tentacles which have hundreds of suckers on them, with the octopus being able to control every one of them, and manipulate it’s muscular tentacles to propel itself underwater.
Dexterity
Dexterity is another fascinating trait that cephalopods possess, especially the octopus which is able to use its tentacles and suction cups just as a human would use his hands. Octopus have been known to be able to perform complex manipulations of their tentacles and be able to unscrew the lids of a jar, or even collect rocks/coconut shells to close the opening of its den while it hides inside.
Camouflage
Cephalopods- octopus, cuttlefish and squid have the ability to control the color of their bodies. This ability too requires complex brain power. Octopuses have the ability to rapidly change the cromatophores in their body to blend in with their surroundings.
Communication
Cuttlefish in particular have been said to communicate with one and other by a complex series of instructions communicated to other cuttlefish by rapid changes or flashes of body color. This form of communication is also said to be used in the squid and cuttlefish’s mating rituals.
Octopus and Squid studied in aquarium tanks have been known to display remarkable intelligent traits. scientists have tested the ability of octopuses to solve mazes, learn cues, and remember solutions. They found that octopuses solve problems readily, learn quickly and, remember what they have learned in short term memory. The reason however for these creatures to possess such intelligence is still a mystery.
