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Bizarre Behavior in Captive Octopus Raises Questions About Dreams and Senescence

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Overview

  • Scientists studying an octopus named Costello noticed four instances of erratic behavior upon awakening that resembled a distress response.
  • The behavior included changing color, shooting ink, and flailing arms despite no threat present.
  • Costello's erratic awakenings could suggest the octopus was experiencing a dream-like state or memories of a previous traumatic event.
  • However, the behavior may also be attributed to the octopus aging and becoming senile.
  • Further research is needed to determine the cause of Costello's unusual behavior and whether octopuses can dream.