Subject
the octopus
An octopus is a soft-bodied, eight-armed mollusk that lives in every ocean. It has three hearts, blue blood, and the ability to change color and texture in less than a second to disappear into a rock. Daily Doodle has featured octopuses with sourced facts for kids 4-10, plus a printable coloring page.
Quick facts
- Octopuses have three hearts and blue blood.
- They can change color and skin texture in under a second.
- They have nine brains: one central brain and one in each arm.
- A common octopus typically lives only 1 to 2 years.
- Octopuses can squeeze through any hole bigger than their beak — the only hard part of their body.
Why kids love the octopus
An octopus is basically a living shape-shifter. It can be a rock, then a piece of seaweed, then a flat ribbon under a door — all without saying a word.
The Daily Doodle issue
Frequently asked
- How many hearts does an octopus have?
- Three. Two pump blood through the gills, and one pumps it through the rest of the body.
- How long do octopuses live?
- Most octopuses live only 1 to 2 years. The giant Pacific octopus, the longest-lived species, can reach about 5 years.
- Are octopuses smart?
- Yes. They solve puzzles, open jars, recognize individual humans, and use tools — all things scientists thought only mammals and birds could do.
- Why do octopuses change color?
- Mostly to hide from predators or sneak up on prey. They also flash colors when startled or excited.
Sources
- Octopus facts — NOAA Ocean Service
- Octopus — Encyclopaedia Britannica
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