One of the marine mollusks with the greatest commercial and economic value worldwide is the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris). Both small-scale fleets that utilize hand jigs, pots, traps, and trammel nets as well as demersal trawl fleets fish it.
Characteristics of Octopus:
The majority of octopuses, belonging to the Incirrata (or Incirrina) suborder, lack both protective shells and internal skeletons. Because of the elasticity of their bodies, they can fit into tiny nooks and crannies.
The head is surrounded by a ring of eight equally lengthened arms that “walk” on the seafloor. Touch and taste sensitivity is heightened by the suction cups covering the undersides of the arms. Its body resembles a sack, and its mouth is on the underside. It has three working hearts and two sophisticated, sensitive eyes.
The majority of octopus species have suction cups on the underside of each of its eight limbs. It appears that the arms are sentient. In actuality, the limbs of an octopus have twice as many neurons as the head. An octopus’s head is topped with a mantle, which is a bulging sack-like body. Their beak, which resembles a parrot and is located on the underside where the limbs converge, is the only hard component of their body.
Octopuses, as reported by National Geographic, possess strong jaws and poisonous saliva. Using their strong beaks, octopuses pierce the shells of their crustacean prey. Octopuses are solitary animals that are skilled at hiding and camouflaging. They are thought to be very clever, with the ability to learn, use tools, and recall locations.
All of the oceans in the globe are home to them, but warm, tropical areas are where they are most prevalent. Although certain species of octopuses are pelagic, meaning they live close to the water’s surface, the majority of octopuses remain on the ocean floor. Some kinds of octopuses inhabit deep, shadowy waters, emerging from below during the day to hunt food.
The octopus uses a muscular tube on its body known as a siphon to force water through it in order to execute its well-known backward swim. In order to get food, octopuses tuck their limbs into tiny crevices as they creep along the ocean floor.
Importance of Octopus:
Ecological Importance of Octopuses:
The delicate balance of aquatic life is preserved by octopuses through the use of their extraordinary hunting abilities. They hunt with stealth, moving quickly to surprise their prey while hiding in the shadows. Octopuses are opportunistic feeders with a diverse diet. They’ll eat practically anything, including small fish, crabs, and mollusks. They actually contribute significantly to preserving the biodiversity of their environments thanks to their varied palates. Octopuses serve as the ocean’s population control team by regulating the numbers of certain animals. By consuming particular species of prey, octopuses aid in preventing these organisms from overpopulating. The stability and well-being of the marine ecosystem depend on this delicate balance.
Larger marine predators like seals, whales, large fish, sharks and dolphins find octopuses to be a delightful snack that keeps them nourished and happy. Predator-prey interactions are essential to preserving the marine food web’s equilibrium. Insufficient octopus’ populations could leave the predators with insufficient food supplies. However, excessive octopus population growth can turn them into an open smorgasbord for predators. Octopuses are essential to the delicate balance of the marine ecology because they control the populations of their prey and supply food for larger predators. They protect the natural order of things by acting as a kind of population control agent for the ocean, making sure that no one species becomes overly dominant.
The chromatophores, which are minuscule paintbrushes in their cells that can produce an incredible assortment of colors and patterns, are octopuses’ hidden weapon. Through regulation of these cells rich in pigment, octopuses are able to blend in with their environment and seek their prey without risk. They find natural rock crevices or dig burrows in the sand using their powerful arms. They’re also creating a thriving community for other animals. By breaking down their favorite foods into tiny pieces and releasing their waste into the sea, octopuses gorge on their favorite foods. Important nutrients like phosphate and nitrogen are abundant in this waste. These vital nutrients are taken up by marine plants and algae, which give oxygen to all marine life. Thus, octopuses are both caregivers and hunters for the aquatic environment.
Health Benefits of Octopus:
Numerous important vitamins, including vitamin B12, as well as minerals, including potassium, iron, magnesium, and certain fatty acids, are abundant in octopus. Due to its established benefits for your body’s growth and upkeep, seafood with high vitamin and mineral content is a great option for those with a seafood palate.
Breast cancer is more likely to occur if you are deficient in vitamin B12. Octopus can help avoid vitamin B12 deficits. Additionally, octopus contains taurine, an amino acid that greatly lowers your chance of getting cancer. By acting as an antioxidant in your body, it helps shield your cells from the harm that is usually linked to it. Because of its high fatty acid content, octopus may also help avoid some mental illnesses like depression.
Phosphorus, which is abundant in octopus, is also very good for the development of the brain. It has the power to improve your brain’s cognitive processes and encourage healthy brain development. Along with enhancing learning capabilities in the brain, it can help with memory improvement. It can aid in delaying the onset of illnesses like Alzheimer’s.
Octopus as a Popular Seafood:
Octopus is becoming a more well-liked and adaptable seafood alternative in the ever-expanding world of culinary delights because of its mild flavor, soft texture, and nutritional advantages, which make it a favorite with home cooks and chefs alike. Whether fried, sautéed, grilled, or added to stews, the little size of octopus guarantees a delicious mouthful each and every time.
The flavor of baby octopus is subtle and unique, making it stand out from other seafood selections. Its flavor is frequently characterized as having a tinge of sweetness mixed with the freshness of the ocean.
Due to its very low fat and calorie content, octopus is a wise option for individuals who are concerned about their health and want to include more nutrient-dense foods in their diets.
Farhana Islam
Agriculturist, Researcher
Fisheries Resource Management, CVASU
