Rescue
Octopus working as a ‘spy’ saves friend from hungry sharks
Octopus are so smart!
Sasha Alonzo
03.22.24

In the captivating world of marine life, a remarkable event unfolds, showcasing the intelligence and adaptability of ocean creatures.

A recent video by “Nature on PBS” titled “Spy Octopus Helps Friend Hide From Shark” reveals an extraordinary interaction between a coconut octopus and a spy octopus in the face of danger.

The video, part of the series “Spy in the Ocean: Deep Thinkers,” premiered on October 25, 2023, and has since garnered over 3.4 million views, illustrating the public’s fascination with these intelligent sea creatures.

Nature on PBS - YouTube
Source:
Nature on PBS - YouTube

The scene is set in the vast ocean, where blacktip sharks, known for their keen sense of smell, are on the hunt for octopuses.

The coconut octopus, vulnerable and exposed, faces a dire situation.

Its natural instinct to hide is not enough against the sharks’ acute olfactory abilities.

This tense moment captures the essence of the underwater struggle for survival, where every decision can mean the difference between life and death.

Nature on PBS - YouTube
Source:
Nature on PBS - YouTube

Enter the spy octopus, an unlikely ally in this underwater drama.

Unlike its real counterpart, the spy octopus does not emit a scent that could attract the predatory sharks.

This unique advantage sets the stage for a fascinating interaction.

The video captures the coconut octopus’s dilemma and the spy octopus’s role in offering a solution, highlighting the complex behaviors and interactions in the marine ecosystem.

Nature on PBS - YouTube
Source:
Nature on PBS - YouTube

The coconut octopus, in its quest for safety, finds a hollow bamboo, which seems like a potential refuge.

However, the open entrance of the bamboo makes it a less than ideal hiding spot.

This moment underscores the constant challenges faced by marine creatures in their environment.

The spy octopus, observing the situation, presents a solution that could be the key to the coconut octopus’s survival.

Nature on PBS - YouTube
Source:
Nature on PBS - YouTube

Demonstrating remarkable intelligence and adaptability, the coconut octopus approaches the spy octopus.

The video captures this delicate interaction, as the coconut octopus, like a seasoned thief, tries to avoid detection by the sharks.

This behavior is a testament to the deep intelligence possessed by these creatures, capable of understanding and reacting to the thoughts and actions of others in their environment.

Nature on PBS - YouTube
Source:
Nature on PBS - YouTube

The solution provided by the spy octopus is a perfect fit for the coconut octopus’s predicament.

Just in time, the coconut octopus utilizes the offered refuge, a moment that highlights the ingenuity and resourcefulness of these animals.

The video captures this triumphant moment, as the coconut octopus successfully evades the sharks, a testament to the wonders of nature and the survival instincts of its inhabitants.

Nature on PBS - YouTube
Source:
Nature on PBS - YouTube

With the immediate threat gone, the sharks move on, leaving the coconut octopus safe in its new shelter.

This resolution brings a sense of relief and accomplishment, both for the viewer and the creatures involved.

The video not only showcases a thrilling escape but also highlights the intricate dynamics of predator-prey relationships in the ocean.

Nature on PBS - YouTube
Source:
Nature on PBS - YouTube

The coconut octopus, no longer in need of hiding, reveals its true feelings in a sign of acceptance towards its unlikely ally.

This moment of connection between the two octopuses is a powerful display of the complex emotional capacities of marine life.

The video, through its vivid portrayal of this interaction, invites viewers to appreciate the depth and richness of the underwater world.

Nature on PBS - YouTube
Source:
Nature on PBS - YouTube

This remarkable story of intelligence, adaptability, and survival in the ocean is a vivid reminder of the wonders that lie beneath the waves.

The video by “Nature on PBS” not only entertains but also educates, offering a glimpse into the fascinating lives of marine creatures and their extraordinary abilities.

To watch the undercover ‘spy’ octopus help his fellow octopus friend watch the video below. It really is remarkable.

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