Our viewers enjoyed the first mirror test so much that we thought it was high time to reintroduce the mirror to our octopus friend. So, with the risk of ending up with a body conscious resident here at Octolab, the mirror test was repeated, featuring again the same octopus, our ingenious friend Arnold.
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
This time we placed in the observation tank one rectangular mirror instead of two round ones. Following the request from one of our viewers, the mirror was big enough to cover almost entirely the one side of the tank. At first it seems like the octopus has become slightly more familiar with his reflection and it begins to explore the physical aspects of the mirror, as if he is measuring to see if it could fit on his living room wall. His arms reach even behind the mirror and as soon as Arnold has collected all the data he needs, he draws back to analyze and reflect on the situation.
Turning into a Narcissus
Arnold then sits in front of the mirror completely still, as if mesmerized by his own beauty. Four long minutes pass and we wonder if Arnold has turned into a true narcicist. Instead, he goes on to prove once again that octopuses think carefully and analyze every piece of available information before they decide on how to act.
Back to action
Suddently the octopus is back in the ring! He resumes his elongated posture and charges towards his hostile reflection. Once again, the loud thump is heard as he hits on the mirror. After the attack, Arnold seems puzzled and spends some more time investigating the mirror and his reflection before returning to his comfy house.
Most likely, he is still not entirely convinced that his reflection will help him…reflect better on what’s going on.
Perhaps octopi also use olfaction or taste to identify self vs non self? Canines fail vision self identification but pass olfactory self awareness.