Each arm of the common octopus has a double row of circular suckers. Unlike those of squid, octopus suckers have no hooks or teeth. Suckers are muscular structures, and when pressed against a surface create low pressure in the suction cup that provides grip. The suckers pictured here belong to Oto, who spent some months recovering from an injury in a display aquarium at Wellington airport. He was returned to Cook Strait in October 2005.
Using this item
Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Photograph by Melanie Lovell-Smith
This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.
Add new comment