Octopus - Octopus vulgaris, 1802

The common octopus, scientifically known as Octopus vulgaris, is a fascinating mollusc belonging to the class Cephalopoda. This species is widely recognized as one of the most intelligent and well-studied squid species in the world. Its habitat ranges from the eastern Atlantic, stretching from the Mediterranean and the southern coast of England, all the way to the southern coast of South Africa. In addition, it can be found off the Azores, the Canary Islands and the Cape Verde Islands, as well as in the western Atlantic Ocean.

What makes the common octopus so remarkable is its ability to learn and adapt to its environment. Through training experiments, researchers have discovered that this species can distinguish between brightness, size, shape, and even the horizontal or vertical orientation of objects. This level of cognitive ability is truly impressive and sets the common octopus apart from other species in the animal kingdom.

In conclusion, the common octopus is a fascinating creature that continues to captivate researchers and animal enthusiasts alike. Its intelligence and adaptability make it a truly remarkable species, and its widespread habitat will hopefully help ensure its existence well into the future.

This specific illustration, which is produced here as a poster, originally comes from an older (1802) French work on natural history.