The octopus is a marine invertebrate with a large head and eight arms, that is found in oceans around the world.National Geographic: Common OctopusAnimal Diversity Web: Common Octopus They are particularly common in the Mediterranean Sea, the ocean near Japan and in the eastern parts of the Atlantic Ocean.Animal Diversity Web: Common Octopus

The octopus can hide from predators by blending its surroundings through changes in both the color and the texture of the skin.Animal Diversity Web: Common Octopus An octopus will typically flee from potential attackers. However, when attacked most species can direct a stream of water and ink at the threat, creating a cloud that hides the octopus from view. The ink also irritates the attacker's eyes and disables its sense of smell, allowing the octopus to flee.MSN Encarta: OctopusTonmo: Is Octopus Ink Similar to Fountain Pen Ink?

Octopus ink is composed of melanin, which is the same substance that gives color to human skin and hair. The compound in the ink which irritates the eyes and sense of smell is known as tyrosinase. While octopus ink is not related to ink used for writing, it is similar to the sepia ink used for pen and ink drawings. True sepia is made by grinding up the ink sacs of the cuttle fish.Tonmo: Is Octopus Ink Similar to Fountain Pen Ink?

• National Geographic Kids: Octopus

• Comics.com: Octopus Search

• Net-Games: Octopus Life

• Quizmoz: Giant Octopus Quiz

• Coloring Pages For Kids: Octopus Coloring Pages

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