Brief
California octopuses use mirrors to locate hidden food
A team of scientists observed California two‑spot octopuses using a mirror to discover hidden food, demonstrating a form of tool use in an invertebrate.
By Felo News Desk · Published
In a study published today, researchers from Dartmouth College reported that California two‑spot octopuses were able to use a mirror to locate food that was out of sight. The experiment, conducted in a controlled laboratory setting, involved placing a piece of food behind a barrier that the octopus could not see directly. When a mirror was introduced, the animals used the reflected image to identify the food’s position and then retrieved it.
The study marks the first documented instance of mirror‑guided behaviour in an invertebrate, a finding that suggests convergent evolution of cognitive abilities between octopuses and mammals. Dr. Mary Kieseler, the study’s co‑author, said the results indicate that octopuses have independently developed the capacity to use mirrors as a tool.
Octopuses are known for their complex nervous systems, with a significant portion of their brain distributed across their arms and the ability to see with their skin. The two‑spot species, which typically live for about a year, are distinguished by blue eye‑like spots beneath their actual eyes. The researchers chose this species for its demonstrated problem‑solving skills and adaptability in laboratory environments.
While the classic mirror test for self‑recognition involves marking an animal’s body and observing whether it notices the mark, the researchers opted for a preliminary step. They first ensured the octopuses were comfortable with the mirror before testing their ability to use it as a tool.
Key facts
- California two‑spot octopuses used a mirror to locate hidden food (popsci.com)
- This is the first documented mirror‑guided behaviour in an invertebrate (popsci.com)
- The study was conducted by researchers at Dartmouth College (popsci.com)
- Dr. Mary Kieseler co‑authored the study (popsci.com)
Background
Octopuses possess a distributed nervous system and advanced sensory capabilities, including skin‑based vision. The two‑spot species is noted for its blue eye‑like spots and short lifespan.
Why it matters
The finding expands understanding of cephalopod cognition and suggests that complex problem‑solving abilities can evolve independently across distant species.
What happens next
Further research may explore whether other octopus species can use mirrors and investigate the neural mechanisms behind this behaviour.
Sources
- [1] popsci.com — originally reported as “How smart are octopuses? Smart enough to use mirror.”
