RANDOM FACT #18 - In some Countries, ANESTHESIA is REQUIRED Before Performing Surgery on Octopuses

In the UK from 1993 to 2012, the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) was the only invertebrate protected under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. In 2012, this legislation was extended to include all cephalopods in accordance with a general EU directive.

The octopus has been shown to use tools - at least four specimens have been witnessed retrieving discarded coconut shells, manipulating them, and then reassembling them to use as shelter. Among other defenses, an octopus is able to hide or to disguise itself through camouflage and mimicry.