The first time I put a crab in a vending machine toy container, it took the octopus a day to get it. I wasnt there to see it happen and wondered if it may have just accidentally opened.

Today, for the 2nd time, I put a crab in the container and dropped it in the tank, hoping that he really did open it the first time and has 'memory' of his first encounter.

He opened it about a minute!! And heres the video :lol:

http://thetentacleparadox.com/AculeatusOpeningContainerVideo.htm

THAT WAS AWESOME! I'd love to see that on a regular size screen.

Just curious, are you using a filter on your camera? You seem to be avoiding the glare for the most part.

LOL! what a cute lil octo! i would liek to know - how did you get the container to sink? was it filled with water? can you try dropping the container in again to see if he does it even faster?


chris

No filter on this camera. Hes in a glass sectioned part of the tank and where theres no ambient light causeing any reflections. I have a larger version of the video. Maybe Ill submit it to tonmo when i get a chance.. (I should be packing for japan!!)

The container has small holes on the top side and the bottom. But even with that, I needed to add an empy atrea snail shell into it for it to sink.

That was his 2nd experience with opening the container, so i expect him to be faster next time!

(Leaving for Japan tommorow for a week, so I wont be able to videotape him again until then)

WOW!! That was too cool!! I loved that "I am the champion" pose he strikes at the end with the lid of the container!! Thank you so much for sharing!! :grin:

Smart, smart octo! (And really cute, too!)

Very cool!

Very nice!

I'll be picking up a similar container soon!

Very nice!

I'll be picking up a similar container soon!

Cool! I only closed it halfway..enough for it to be tight where it require some effort. When those things are fully clsoed, sometimes I cant even open them unless I smash it on the table..

Lets see your octo put those 5 legs to use!!

I like the video a lot. I think this is the first...or second of showing an octopus opening up a container with food in it, but its definately one of the best moments to capture because it captures why octopuses are so intelligent...and thats because they display a sense of learning.

Nice video Paradox. Immediately took the laptop over to W. to show her. She loved it too.

Nice one paradox

what species is your octo paradox? Looks awesome.

What a beautiful octopus! Great video.

Cheers!

now u need to teach it to put the scraps back in there and close it so that it doesnt mess up your water and its easy clean up!

now u need to teach it to put the scraps back in there and close it so that it doesnt mess up your water and its easy clean up!

Hah! I just got back from Japan today and noticed how many crab shells , have built up! Yes, a tank cleaning octo would be very nice.. The auto-top off, pump feeding the octo section, and my pump to the skimmer were all unplugged!! The octo wasnt looking to hot, but he seems fine now, but I think thats the last time I leave my tank in the care of just a roomate with no serious aquarium knowledge.

The species is aculeatus octopus, which does seem to be a common species available at wholesellers in the San Francisco bay area. This particular one was hand picked from Thales (The cephalophile formally known as Righty).