Once it has solved a problem, an octopus remembers and can solve it and similar problems repeatedly. Experiments have shown that the octopus can learn to perform many unusual acts, such as unscrewing lids to get to food, maneuvering through simple mazes, and even distinguishing between various shapes. The common octopus, Octopus vulgaris , is frequently seen in ocean caves, crevices, and ledges off the North Carolina coast. They are similar to vertebrate eyes in that they have a cornea, lens, and retina. They can see images, an ability that is not found in other mollusks or any other invertebrates.
Octopuses have other unique abilities which most mollusks lack.
Special color cells called chromatophores expand and contract to control the pigments inside. Divers off the North Carolina coast are most likely to encounter the common octopus, Octopus vulgaris. These clever cephalopods can be found in small dens or caves on the ocean floor.