Octopus Killer moves_Deep in the High Seas
Channel: Nature's Nurturing
Date: 2024-04-08

Cloud ink, or simply ink, is a defense mechanism used by octopuses and other cephalopods like squids and cuttlefish. Here's what it is and the role it serves:

- **Composition**: The ink is composed of melanin, the same pigment that gives color to human skin and hair, and mucus¹.
- **Function**: When threatened, an octopus releases this ink to create a dark cloud in the water. This cloud can confuse predators by obscuring their view, allowing the octopus to escape².
- **Additional Effects**: The ink may also interfere with the predator's sense of smell and taste, further aiding in the octopus's escape². It's not poisonous, but it can cause irritation if it gets into the eyes of the predator².
- **Risks**: Interestingly, if an octopus doesn't quickly clear the area after releasing the ink, it could be harmed by its own ink cloud².

This adaptation is one of the many fascinating aspects of octopus biology, showcasing their intelligence and resourcefulness in avoiding predators.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 08/04/2024
(1) Why do cephalopods produce ink? And what's ink made of, anyway?. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/aug/09/why-do-cephalopods-produce-ink-and-what-on-earth-is-it-anyway.
(2) Why Do Cephalopods Use Ink? - Ocean Conservancy. https://oceanconservancy.org/blog/2022/06/23/cephalopods-ink/.
(3) Is Octopus Ink Poisonous? Unveil the Truth Behind the Myth. https://oceanicspecies.com/is-octopus-ink-poisonous/.
(4) Cephalopod Ink…What is it? - Catalina Island Marine Institute. https://cimi.org/blog/cephalopod-inkwhat-is-it/.
(5) Octopus Ink Uses and Facts - Jotscroll. https://www.jotscroll.com/octopus-ink-uses-facts.

Clip courtesy of @octonation Instagram account