Octopuses are fascinating and highly intelligent marine creatures known for their unique mode of movement.
They use a variety of techniques to navigate and travel through their underwater environments.
Here's how octopuses move.
Jet Propulsion
Octopuses primarily move using a method called jet propulsion.
They draw water into their mantle (the soft body portion) and then forcefully expel it through a siphon.
This sudden release of water creates a jet of propulsion that propels the octopus in the opposite direction.
By controlling the direction of the siphon and the force of the water expelled, octopuses can move forwards, backwards, and change direction.
Arm Walking
Octopuses can also "walk" along the ocean floor by using their arms.
They extend their arms and use a combination of muscular contractions and bending to push off against the substrate.
This movement allows them to crawl slowly and explore their surroundings.
Arm Coordination
Octopuses have remarkable control over their eight flexible arms, each of which is lined with suckers.
They use their arms to grab onto surfaces, manipulate objects, and even propel themselves forward by "rowing" their arms in coordinated movements.
Crawling
When an octopus wants to move over a solid surface, it can use a crawling motion by coordinating the movement of its arms.
This movement is more deliberate and resembles the way a caterpillar moves.
Swimming
Some octopus species, like the blanket octopus, are also capable of swimming.
They unfurl their web-like arms to create a large surface area, then use rhythmic undulations of their arms to propel themselves through the water.
