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News Release 05-047

Octopus Uses Two Arms to "Walk Away" from Trouble

First proof of underwater "bipedal" locomotion

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Octopus marginatus photo

In the first scientific documentation of underwater "bipedal" locomotion, scientists report that certain octopus species use two of their arms for walking.

Credit: Edge-of-Reef, http://www.edge-of-reef.com/


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Octopi walking video

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Octopus marginatus uses two arms to walk along the sea floor in the waters of the Lembeh Straights, Indonesia.

Credit: Bob Cranston, ©Sea Studios Foundation, 1998