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Wildlife: Eight Arms to Hold You
Spineless they may be, but that doesn't stop the males of at least one octopus species from feeling macho when it comes to their mates.
For decades scientists have thought these mysterious underwater creatures mated without complex rituals. But a new study in the waters off Sulawesi found that Abdopus aculeatus engages in what University of California-Berkeley researchers have described as passionate handholding, "flirting" and keeping other suitors at arms' length. "They'll even strangle a rival if he gets too close to the den of favored female," says Roy Caldwell, a coauthor of the study.
Given that many species of octopus live in similar habitats and have comparable traits, the researchers believe such amorous behavior could extend to more of the nearly 300 octopus species in the world.
It also may prove that the Beatles' silly song lyrics weren't so far-fetched after all: For certain individuals, an octopus' garden could be a cozy place for romantic couples to hide away beneath the waves.
