Austin, TX – Are you a sucker for octopuses? A group called OctoNation, the largest octopus page on Facebook, wants us all to learn more about cephalopods as we approach World Octopus Day, Oct. 8 which celebrates one of the most inkredible, distinctive creatures, living on the planet today; the octopus.

OctoNation, Founded by Warren Carlyle in 2015, inspires conservation of the ocean by teaching the world about octopuses in a fun and informative way.  OctoNation is a community of cephalopod enthusiasts that educates, entertains, and empowers one another through a unique mix of science, education, and entertainment.

“We love working with purpose-driven organizations that highlight the conservation, education and ongoing research of cephalopods,” Carlyle told Waterway Guide News.

The group is now so popular that it was recently recognized at Facebook Headquarters during the 2019 Facebook Communities Summit.

Quick Facts

Octopus assets include eight semi-autonomous arms, thousands of smart suckers, cold-adapted blue blood, three beating hearts and eerily advanced intelligence.

Cephalopods have large, condensed brains that have sections entirely dedicated to learning, a trait that is unique among other invertebrates. Octopuses’ brilliant problem-solving abilities have been documented time and time again. There’s also evidence octopuses have personalities, and react differently based on how shy, active or emotional they are.

They’re also one of the earth’s great survivors. Despite their relatively short lifespan, octopus fossils date back more than 300 million years, meaning that they pre-date even dinosaurs. They are also highly intelligent, with around 500 million neurons located in their brains and arms, allowing them to bypass their instincts, learn lessons and solve problems.

In addition, they are visually stunning, exhibiting a vast array of different colors and shapes. The Giant Pacific Octopus is able to grow to weigh more than 600 pounds

Protecting the Species

Right now more than 50,000 tons of octopus are caught each year. And scientists still have little idea how many octopuses are out there in the oceans—or even how to go about measuring them. Some countries have responded over recent decades with restrictions, requiring a closed season and that octopuses be at least a certain minimum weight (helping to ensure they are adults and have had the opportunity to mate and leave behind the next generation).

Other countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam and Mauritania—which contribute much of the current global octopus catch—are barely regulated by a local government, leaving the octopus populations vulnerable to overfishing.

How to Celebrate World Octopus Day

Take a little time to appreciate these incredible creatures with a trip to a sea life center, or learn more with these VIDEOS by Octonation:

Moody Gardens in Galveston TX https://www.facebook.com/TheOctoNation/videos/540221919668844/

Aquarium of the Pacific: https://www.facebook.com/TheOctoNation/videos/582208918803477/ Denver Aquarium https://www.facebook.com/TheOctoNation/videos/617438758613826/ 

Georgia Aquarium https://www.facebook.com/TheOctoNation/videos/593715150986187/

Let's get Kraken!