Okay, who among us has not woken up and as you dragged yourself to the bathroom and caught a glimpse of yourself in the mirror NOT jumped up in startlement at the image that stared back at you?
Yes, mirrors can be invaluable tools for the vain or inconvenient “truth machines” for the insecure.
Over at Octolab, the research and observation team wondered how an octopus would react to seeing itself in a mirror. After all, octopuses are very smart and are very adept at picking up cues and signals about their surroundings. How would seeing their reflection impact them?
Would the octopus recognize itself?
Would the octopus see it as a threat and attack it?
Would the octopus be frightened by the apparition?
Would the octopus use its reflection to be self-critical about its appearance and vow to start hitting the gym next Monday?
Well, this video reveals exactly what happened.
Setting Up the Experiment
The Octolab researchers installed two round mirrors on one of the interior panels of the observation tank. One of the octopus Vulgaris members of the team was then introduced into the tank.
Care was taken to keep the tank as free of other distractions so that the octopus could focus on its reflection.
Take One
At first, it is uncertain whether or not the octopus realizes the purpose of the two mirrors on the side of the tank. As he approaches that portion of the tank he does his little octopus stroll and passes right by them. Sort of like how you would walk past a store window.
Then, suddenly, the ocotpus moves his gaze to the mirrors and catches a glimpse of his reflection. Mind you, we doubt seriously that there were any mirrors on the seafloor where this octopus grew up. Chances are that this is the first time he ever saw his own reflection.
Initial Reaction
The octopus reacts initially by placing some distance between himself and the mirrors. He enters that contemplative posture that octopuses take when they are analyzing a situation.
Taking Action
Apparently, this octopus felt that cautious assertion was the best course of action to take. He didn’t flee. Instead, he approached the mirrors once again. However, as he did so, he started to change in color and took on an elongated posture. This is the octopus version of “trash talking.” A way to psych out rivals or troublemakers.
As he got in the face of his reflection, to him it would have been as if this other octopus was “trash talking” back at him.
Well, he wasn’t going to have any of that. He had to defend his street cred. So, he lashed out at his reflection. You can clearly hear the loud thump as this happens.
Aftermath
The octopus was likely expecting a brawl to take place. When he hit the side of the tank it threw him off his game.
He then decided to retire from the field of battle and moved to the opposite end of the tank. Once there, he sought refuge behind a container. Surely, he was pondering and analyzing what he had just experienced.
Until next time reflection… until next time.
