The Distinct Color of Octopus Blood Unlike humans and most other animals, octopuses have blue blood. This coloration stems from the protein responsible for oxygen transport within their circulatory system. Instead of the iron-based hemoglobin found in red blood, octopuses use a copper.
Blue-ringed octopuses, comprising the genus Hapalochlaena, are four extremely venomous species of octopus that are found in tide pools and coral reefs in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, from Japan to Australia. [2] They can be identified by their yellowish skin and characteristic blue and black rings that can change color dramatically when the animals are threatened. They eat small crustaceans.
The octopus is a surprisingly complex creature and, quite possibly, the world's original "blue blood." Its 500 million neurons are distributed throughout its head and body, compared to the 100 billion neurons in our brains [source: Courage]. The octopus's brain power isn't easily apparent at first glance, but it's proven itself capable of planning, reasoning and. Ever wondered what color an octopus's blood is? Discover why octopuses have blue blood, what causes it, and how it helps them survive in the deep sea.
Find out what color is an octopus can change to and why. Learn about their skin and how they hide or show their true color. now.
The octopus is able to stretch these sacks out using muscles that encompass the chromatophores, which causes the pigment to be more or less visible on the surface of its skin. The pigment in chromatophores is normally only red, yellow, or brown, but many species of octopus are capable of producing even more colors. Discover why octopuses have blue blood, how it works, and the unique advantages it provides in cold, low.
What do octopus colors mean? "The dark color and some of the behaviors that go with it are associated with aggression, or at least approach," Scheel says. "The paler colors signify that the octopus is not going to stand its ground - that it's going to retreat or withdraw." Takedown request View complete answer on npr.org. This blue color is due to the molecules responsible for oxygen transport within their bodies.
The Science Behind the Color The blue color of octopus blood comes from hemocyanin, a copper-containing protein that serves the same function as human hemoglobin: to bind and transport oxygen throughout the body. Color changes also serve as a warning system against threats. The blue-ringed octopus, for example, flashes its bright, iridescent blue rings when threatened, signaling its highly venomous nature.