Tentacles

As a child I never understood why people said an octopus had tentacles. Surely they’re octacles?

An octopus’s tentacles are multi-function. Just imagine having something you can eat, move, hunt, taste and mate with. No, perhaps best not to imagine it.

The fish market in Venice has a fabulous array of fresh produce. This octopus caught my eye, with its large suckers and central beak.

Octopus - Venice - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

Octopus have copper in their blood rather than iron, so their blood is blue rather than red. Copper isn’t quite as efficient as carrying oxygen as iron, so octopus have to keep their blood pressure high, helped by having three hearts. They are beautiful , sensitive, and intelligent creatures. Sadly for them, they are also delicious.

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