Octopus Ocean: Geniuses of the Deep

If you’ve never been curious about octopuses (yes, that is the plural of octopus), the riveting introduction to this book will quickly intrigue you. The author is a skilled storyteller, and his playful, entertaining writing style is evident right away. Prepare to be amazed as you read the 17 short chapters that cover basic octopus physiology, intelligence, history and ancestors, life cycle and relatives. Learn about octopus studies and meet several unique species—real and legendary.

You’ll enjoy discovering some unexpected uses for octopus ink, that octopus brains are shaped like donuts, that they have three hearts and rectangular pupils, but they may only live one-two years. The facts roll out in highly readable, often humorous, factual accounts...until you get to Chapter 6. In a refreshing departure from all those usual details, you’re treated to fascinating stories of octopus escape artists and celebrities. This cool information is based on octopus intelligence and their unique ability to get “in and out of pretty much anything”. Tanks with doors or heavy lids didn’t phase the captive cephalopods who took nightly rambles around labs, or vanished down drains. In Chapter 7, you’ll hear how the film, My Octopus Teacher, based on up-close encounters with octopuses inspired heightened interest in the species.

Armed with so much impressive knowledge, you’ll explore Chapter 8—“Eight Amazing Octopuses”—ready to find your favorite, whether by size, ability to mimic, unusual by appearance or movement. The subsequent chapter recounts ancient legends of sea monsters, aliens and devil fish...aka octopuses. Are squid the same as octopuses? Not quite, but they are relatives with 10 limbs rather than 8, among other differences. A whole chapter is devoted to the octopus as “Predators and Prey”. While they are easy invertebrate prey for marine animals, they are also considered a healthy meal for humans around the world, so they are farmed. But that arouses controversies over keeping these highly intelligent creatures captive or using them in scientific experiments.

Additional facts that may answer any remaining questions about the octopus can be found in frequent inserts called “Inkspots”. These range from tips about keeping an octopus for a pet (e.g. unlike a fish, they like their food alive), to whether octopuses eat humans (no evidence so far). These inserts tend to pack a lot of content into a small space, hence the text is tiny and more challenging to read. Do read them; they’re worth it.

The final chapter discusses how pollution and climate change affect octopus habitat and whether illegal fishing will lead to endangered status for some species. A two-page chart offers suggestions for ways to “Help Save Octopuses, Oceans and Us”. The author’s dedicated advocacy for ocean dwellers shows in his expressions of concern about issues that affect them. His extensive knowledge of the octopus makes this book a reliable source of up-to-date information for readers to learn more and a forum to encourage them to spread the word, to help inspire others, and to take action.

The “Glossary” is helpful with some new terms, and the “Resources” list offers direction to extra information. An Index will be added in the final copy.