Octopus Den Size Selection - VIEWER REQUEST

Will our octopus choose the smallest den, the biggest den, or the one in between?
This experiment was requested by KZbin user Jonas Kirk. Here is what Jonas wrote:
“The little octopus dens featured in your videos are simply amazing. They made me think of an experiment…
What would happen if you placed different sized dens in an octopus's tank? Would he show preference to one of the sizes?"
"Place 3 of the octopus dens we see in your videos into a tank. The dens should preferably be of different sizes. See which of the dens he'll choose and then run the same experiment with the same dens placed in different positions. This should hopefully give us an answer as to which sized den he or she prefers.
I bet that in the wild there are a number of factors that influence the octopus in selecting its den. But what would happen if the only difference was the size of the octopus den?”
We presented a medium-sized octopus with three different den sizes, a big one, an average one, and a smaller one.
Octopuses in the wild have been observed to choose dens small enough so that they can maintain contact with the walls with all of their arms. Also, dens are relatively small, and they have a maximum volume two to three times that of the octopus. The size of the octopus is believed to be in proportion to the size of the den.
We were therefore expecting the octopus to go for either the small or the average sized den.
We rotated the position of the dens twice to make sure that proximity to a den was not an influencing factor.
It was fascinating to watch our octopus investigating its options and making a clear decision.
We hope that you enjoy watching this experiment and that you will keep contributing to our research with all your wonderful ideas!

[@zebra3stripes]

Of course he wants the big place now, but in 30 years he'll want the smallest one near a place to play shuffleboard and Bingo.

[@linda6987]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@gojiberry7201]

I just now realized that his dens are shaped like octopus eyes. Took me a while!

[@launchpending]

👀

[@kaoruM33]

✨😂✨

[@leifvejby8023]

He need the space for the telly and the nightstand

[@mjrussell414]

I love how he appears to stand back and look over the den before approaching.

[@sweet-beaks]

An octopus of taste, the bigger the better.

[@chaliceflower]

Reminds me of the story, "Goldilocks and the Three Bears".

[@zenlizard1850]

Yeah, first thing I thought of is the octopus gets to play Goldilocks.

[@catherineveleker6822]

Goldilocks-opus.

[@jen9774]

My exact thoughts, too

[@LittleKitty22]

Octo seems to like plenty of room in his house, lol.

[@30ftunder39]

experimental bias: the first time the octopus chose a den, he then kept a memory of it as 'safe' , plus it may have left a mucus/substance as a signal that he went there already. Therefore we cannot conclude that octopus prefers a bigger den. Repeat this experiment with different octopus, and wash the ball as the traces left by a previous octopus may attract, or repel, a different octopus.

[@kaigoodwin7250]

I'm not surprised at all that she chose the larger, if the subject is a female. She needs to consider the appropriate size for protecting her eggs.

[@spacetrashfallingdown]

It's a male tho

[@kaigoodwin7250]

I've been informed that it's a male.

[@BergamoteK]

Today a bigger den but tomorrow...ZE EARTH !!!! --- air bubbles as for evil laugh ---

[@joyceb.8194]

So cute when he *boops* the glass! Such an amazing species, we're lucky to have them on the planet.

[@ThePrufessa]

He's not booping anything. Humans are the only species that can perceive glass. Everything else is completely confused about the clear barrier preventing them from proceeding forward. So when he does that it's actually trying to swim thru the glass that it doesn't recognize is there.

[@joyceb.8194]

@Kathy Childress ok, thank you for pointing out that I am not allowed to be a bit frivolous on occasion. My apologies, Your Grace.

[@joyceb.8194]

@@ThePrufessa thanks to you as well, birds fly into glass often and deer run into windows. Yes, I allowed myself a bit of irreverent silliness, shame on me for not following the guidelines of my professors. Never, ever have a little fun.

[@joyceb.8194]

@Kathy Childress you really are humorless, aren't you? So sad.

[@goku-san]

@Kathy Childress There's no need to get up in arms about a silly comment. Stop being rude.

[@JustJohn505]

I want one as a pet but they are so smart I'd feel bad putting him in a tank, no matter what size

[@ThePrufessa]

The way to do it is constantly change the environment. I'd say once every week or two. You'd probably need to hire a caretaker though.

[@jasonblalock4429]

That's OK, he'll escape soon enough.

[@ThePrufessa]

@@jasonblalock4429 escape to where?

[@ThePrufessa]

@Ed G I have no idea what you're talking about. What empty void of space? We're talking about an octopus being kept in captivity. There are no empty voids of space there.

[@milomilo55]

@@ThePrufessa it's just a joke

[@kaoruM33]

Who’s the genius with the 🐙-brain who requested that?! That was so fun to watch~~✨🥰✨👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻✨💜✨

[@AdAstra45]

Boy, did I get that wrong. I thought he would choose the cozy one, and squish into the smaller den. Cephalopod likes space!

[@ramesesc2393]

I wanna see how he reacts to a human with insanely long dreads floating in the water. Probably sitting half lotus with a breathing tube and diving weights as to not frighten your specimen. I think the faux tentacles will have an immediate effect

[@scurglistens]

homeboy wants the BIGGEST den!

[@Morristown337]

Or is he trying to say "If I just keep going in the bigger one will I get a bigger place to live?"

[@sebbes333]

*@Octolab TV* Try to present even larger dens (if you have any?), until the octopus stops choosing the largest den, that's probably the most "right size" for the octopus? (or the opposite if the octopus consistently chooses the smallest den) Also, make sure the experiment den's haven't been in the water at all before, so they don't "smell familiar" or something like that, maybe even *use a totally unfamiliar: shape, color, material & texture,* then see what the octopus chooses. :)

[@ChristmasMonkey444]

good suggestions...I was sort of thinking along the same lines..the loose comparison that went through my head while watching this was that of ants and the chemical trails they leave telling other ants (or themselves on a return trip) to follow or "hit" upon prior way points...a chemical map so to speak....

[@rosekay5031]

I love the way his tentacles curl, seemingly with joy. Lol

[@angeliner59]

If somebody would offer me a 1 bedroom house or a 5 bedroom house, I'd know which one I'd pick! Smart octopussy!

[@sebbes333]

But that's 5 more rooms you have to clean :/

[@VestinVestin]

​@@sebbes333 Not really; that's the beauty of being an octopus. You don't have to pay property tax either :P.

[@angeliner59]

@@sebbes333 With all those arms........done in a jiffy!

[@mookyo9602]

He definitely needs the bigger one! He's thinking company!

[@warrenpeace8304]

Lmao😂

[@dr.reshmaahmed6905]

Mooky OHare> well said 😂😂😂😂😂❤️

[@outboundflight4455]

Lol maybe he just has more room to strech in

[@CChissel]

Yes! I remember seeing someone request this, thank you for listening to us!

[@lesliesylvan]

One or two larger than the preferred lodging woud be an interesting next step. Or one with an additional room; or a second egress/exit . . . Of differing relative sizes.

[@lorincowell6944]

What about scent or taste: the familiarity of the den?

[@ellenjampole1905]

They are so lovely to watch. So glad to see up close & personal how they move. Elegant yet funny when popping on the tank's wall.

[@dagobertduck8280]

I was not surprised about the choice. Everybody loves comfort.

[@shiraga0516]

It is apparent he recognises the size differences and has a clear preference.

[@miragetheshadow]

Oddly, my first though was "This music sounds kinda like Portal." But also it's just amazing what these creatures can do!

[@karenahmed4722]

Poor thing keeps bumping his nose!! Can't you put some figured paper or something on outside glass? His underside is magic with all his arms splayed out!

[@pricklypear7516]

That's not his nose. He's bumping into the glass because that's not the direction he's facing.

[@linda6987]

Of course he’ll pick the large one! Perfect for all his furnishings!

[@sierrahestum8007]

This octopus better be named Goldilocks...

[@KelOne333]

Love the "thumbs up" at the 2:01 mark 🤣

[@rosemarypaul6093]

My edit involved correcting the spell check & structure. Seems a no-brainer to me. If looking for a living area, it's going to go for the largest square footage it can afford (or find). Maybe it just wants "Octo-Cave". A place "he" can watch his big screen, have his buds over for "Squids Gone Wild!" videos while enjoying kegs of squid ink and plates of Flounder Fritters & "Tuna Wings"** Or a place "she" would have her "Octopussies Only" room. A place where she can invite her friends over for a "craft night". They would try to make stuff from the litter that falls to the ocean floor, but Craft Night often translates into no crafting at all. It would involve pitchers of Marlin-ritas or Crustacean Cosmos and platters of shrimp kabobs, crab puffs and sea cucumber cake for dessert. Everyone would be in groups that would talk about males, how they could make their fins shinier and how painful & long spawning is (you'd get more of that if it was a Fry Shower). When things start to lag or 1 starts to cry, it's time for a pitcher of "Tuna-tinis" (good thing the hostess has 8 arms) and dancing to songs like, "Under the Sea" & "Barracuda" by "The Barnacles". I'm 60 yrs old and have always had a imagination. **Years ago there it was a slogan for a brand of tuna, "Chicken of the Sea". So, chicken wings, tuna wings.

[@nytronymous]

What about a test where placing and recognizing shapes/colours is rewarded by unlocking food.

[@elizabethsnyder_baldonado39]

The only one big enough for an advanced & enhanced MUSIC system...well, DUH. If she's anything like me, she's GOTTA have her REGGAE. ¡¡¡¡🎵🐙🎶!!!!!

[@dexmadden1201]

Preferred smaller dens in the wild would typically be embedded in other relief, not a stand-alone sphere? Perhaps there is comfort in the larger OUTSIDE area as well in this fishtank scenario.

[@AGDinCA]

Very interesting!

[@theta799]

This guy certainly knows about real estate

[@redhotsweetpotatoe]

Notice also that the smallest one had a very rough texture inside the opening that could cut/scratch him when going in/out.

[@geraint8989]

I think the initial exploration was with thought to the possibility that the balls represented dens hiding other animals. Perhaps taking residence in the largest den is threat mitigation - to avoid the possibility of a passing large animal moving into the area.

[@clonejones7955]

He chose the one with the most ball room.Like he was buying a new truck.

[@stewiepid4385]

@0:54 " Mantle BOOPS for U!"

[@spiralpython1989]

And therefore we can see that the Octopus is not a candidate for Tiny House living...

[@slash2487]

Arnold knows his comfort level🐙🐙

[@lilstarfishdude]

Had it been out in the ocean with lots of other creatures the middle one might have been more popular since the large one would be too large, also letting other creatures into it.

[@samuelzuleger5134]

Picking the biggest one? Maybe he is compensating for his hectocotylus. Jokes aside, assuming this is the same octopus each time, is it possible that he can tell that it is the same den he may have chosen the first time so that he has become attached and will chose the same one each time? A test would be to take dens of the same size and shape, then switch them around and see if the octopus picks the same one each time.

[@cd5steve]

Contrary to mine as well. There’s an Octo that hangs at BHB in Florida in an old glass sofa bottle that the divers know to leave on the bottom. Seems tight quarters suit this critter.

[@davidchalmers2504]

Second! Love you guys!

[@user-xb7dp4vu3r]

4rth :'v

[@clairebear1318]

I was thinking maybe a bigger den just means he has more space to spread, thus making it more comfortable to live in. :)

[@waitinginberniesbreadline922]

Great soundtrack!

[@sueg2658]

Of course silly humans, it is MY home after all!

[@lindaway5889]

EVERYONE wants a large house! LOL

[@dianalovescolors]

And this den was just right! 🍘🐙

[@lizannewhitlow1085]

Octolab TV will likely replace cat videos. I think the octopus would select the larger nest just for comfort, no? He needs something to engage his brains.

[@ThePollaton]

If you’ve not watched it yet....check out ‘my octopus teacher’ on Netflix. It’s beautifully filmed and so amazing to watch.

[@evabeekers1398]

I agree.. But it made me cry so much :(

[@shelleynunn4123]

I thought it would pick a cozier den. Its obviously smart though, 3 tries first time, two the second and found it the first time the last trial.

[@elainetreadwell5576]

Suggestion: use two of the medium sized habitats and one of the small habitats. Then mix them as you did before. Would they choose one of the mediums since that was the larger of the two? Or would they remain outside the habitats wanting the large to be added?

[@jaym5602]

Does it matter how the opening to the den is in better on top side or bottow?

[@purplealice]

Try the experiment with different octopuses, of different sizes, and see what conclusions this leads to. Oh, that was the next experiment!

[@sunflowerz54]

Ahh!! A perfect fit :)

[@glasshousefuture6836]

Yeah I really thought he would choose a smaller one, but maybe he's still growing and thus needs a larger size home 🏡

[@imogens7281]

I have a question, how much time was there in between him being presented with the options? Just a small observation but he bumped his noggin enough times that it made me wonder if he would actually rather swim away than anything else, and after being taken out of the smaller tank for a little while after the first run (if that was the case, total assumption on my part!) he had the idea that getting in the big one gets him taken out? Is that the sort of thought they might be capable of?

[@doro8856]

Poor thing keeps bopping his nose on the glass.

[@skyhiker9669]

Yup!

[@krmr2069]

What are the dens made of?

[@BobT36]

Reminds me of the one with his barrel. I hope he still has that?

[@RickDeckardMemories]

Moving on up. To the east side. 🤣😅😂

[@nilsholgerson4958]

I think he goes for the larger one so he gets some space between him and the entrance to avoid predators from reaching and seeing him more easily.

[@DaveHaynes31]

She feels secure in her environment perhaps.

[@Sailor_S]

Do octopuses have texture preferences?

[@yvonnesanders4308]

Anything to put on the glass of stop them smacking into it

[@TheZXKUQYB]

Should see how much he or she can lift to get to.their food! Excellent octopi video, amazing intelligence.

[@zukorro470]

The experiment should go on and on, whith bigger and bigger spot, till we know what size he find the coziest.

[@40watt_club]

I would too

[@lorisutherland7728]

Why does he keep hitting his head into the glass? Does it hurt?

[@etherealnerd]

He keeps hitting his lil jelly head on the glass :c

[@debrroses]

I like that music

[@dianeclarke3763]

He needs the space after bumping his noggin so many times!! Lol... 🐙🐙💜

[@MsSugercrisp]

he got a guest house now so friend can stay over. what would happen if he had many house's but each not the same color or design which one would he live in? one that has two round bobbles on top of each other as one home but only the small door at the bottom or one with many bright colors or all one color or one with lots of patterns and sharps and colors which home would he decide to live in what would be his choice?

[@intheredcold9216]

Are u sure it's preference for den size and not the size of the opening that he/she prefers?

[@gingercox6468]

It’s sad to see Octo run into the glass wall.

[@giamontarano5852]

Please help I am getting a small octopus from hubby please tell me..clams...toys...den..tank ..can I use fresh water

[@NewMessage]

Bigger is better...

[@bionic-tale4313]

Looks like he's choosing between dens.

[@ld8495]

He was probably looking for food.

[@GroovlyDo]

Does the octopus recognise the difference between a life-size photo of a crab/prawn/favourite foods and the real thing, And do you think you could teach an octopus to sign? Maybe a 3 or 4 finger/tentacle (🤷‍♀️) developed sign language?

[@nkf83]

Can you put 20 crabs in a box... let’s see how he react on it? Will he open or leave it ?

[@lorrainericardo8680]

more room to grow in ,,, and bring in his 'prey'

[@dyscea]

Maybe in a safer environment, it’s okay to have luxury.

[@janeenharris3074]

We all like a home with room to move!

[@richardlynch5632]

Must be an American ictoous!👍😎

[@jimparsons6803]

So more is better? Size does matter? Greed is eternal? Is this critter from Fereginar?

[@Killotarian]

First thing he does is to try and go further than the glass.

[@orlaoto5794]

Well that was unambiguous.

[@kaoruM33]

Octolab TV channel is my “large den” of anything out there on the internet, cable & satellite (I don’t have a tv, by choice)... I love the octopi 🐙 🐙 and the followers here... this is one of my “happy places”~✨🥰✨

[@robertdaniel6044]

Until he gets his first property tax bill.

[@vindictivetiger3958]

size matters, LOL

[@nachannachle2706]

Don't know why it keeps hitting its noggin' on the glass. >__

[@marmeladentaucher]

She wants to be free.

[@TheSighphiguy]

gotta have room fer da babes!

[@jamesfalvey77]

Go big or go home