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Why do octopuses punch fish?

Published February 2, 2022
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Like chimpanzees, dolphins and crows, octopuses are among the special set of intelligent animals that have been observed using tools. They can change the color of their entire body in just three-tenths of a second, but they do not simply take on the general pattern of its surroundings. Instead, they often mimic specific undersea objects. These brainy cephalopods sometimes team up with fish to find food. Hunting collaboratively allow them to cover more area and increase the chances of catching prey.

However, certain species, such as the big blue octopuses Octopus cyanea are displeased with their fish partners, they demonstrate their ire by punching the fish in the head. Scientists believe that the use “punching” serves to control the partner’s behavior, when prey is readily available, and avoiding fish to steal tempting meal.

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