Researchers found octopuses favour their front arms for most tasks, despite all eight being capable of all actions.
The study analysed 25 one-minute videos of wild octopuses from three species across six global sites.
Scientists identified 15 behaviours and 12 arm actions, including crawling, object fetching, parachute attacks, and backward swimming.
Front arms were used more often for reaching, raising, lowering, and curling, while rear arms handled stilt and roll actions.
All eight arms can perform every action and deform in four ways: shortening, elongating, bending, and twisting.
Multiple arm actions often occurred simultaneously on the same or adjacent limbs, showing high flexibility and adaptability.
Overall, front arms were used 61% of the time, rear arms 39% across all actions studied.
The findings reveal how octopuses multitask and coordinate limbs during complex behaviours.
Researchers say results could aid ethologists, neuroscientists, and engineers designing soft robotic appendages.
Andrew Rogers
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