Beyond fantasy: Real-life creature with eight arms, nine brains, three hearts

Proceeding from a new article, Glass Almanac describes that a creature with eight arms, nine brains, and three hearts may seem like something from a science fiction story, but it’s a real, living being. 

Octopuses have long astounded scientists with their remarkable adaptability and problem-solving skills. Known for solving complex puzzles and using tools, these marine creatures often exhibit behaviors that defy expectations for invertebrates. But it’s not just about intelligence; the octopus has an incredible biological setup.

Each of its eight tentacles is controlled by its own brain, offering unmatched coordination and precision. It can grab objects, cling to surfaces with ease, and even change its color to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. Some octopuses have even been seen decorating their homes with shells, suggesting a sense of aesthetics that’s rare in the animal kingdom.

The anatomy of an octopus is equally fascinating. Its central brain is connected to smaller brains in each tentacle, creating a decentralized neural network that allows its arms to operate independently. With keen eyesight, a powerful beak, and incredible agility, the octopus is both an intelligent and efficient predator.

What makes the octopus even more remarkable is its circulatory system, consisting of three hearts—one to pump blood throughout its body, and two to circulate it through the gills. This unique structure contributes to its ability to adapt and survive in a wide range of environments.

Professor Coulson speculates that, under the right conditions, the octopus could evolve to build underwater cities and even develop the ability to breathe air and hunt land animals. Though such ideas remain speculative, they highlight the extraordinary potential of the octopus to shape Earth’s future in ways we might not have imagined.

This raises important questions about the nature of intelligence and evolution. Could another species be waiting for the right conditions to prove it can thrive in ways humans never could? The octopus may hold the answer.