How Octopuses Became the Ocean’s Smartest Invertebrates — 25 Problem-Solving Abilities

5. Disassembling Aquarium Equipment

Octopuses are notorious for their curiosity and mechanical prowess in captivity. Public aquarium reports frequently describe these animals dismantling pumps, removing filters, or unscrewing tank fixtures. This behavior highlights their ability to investigate and manipulate unfamiliar objects, often outsmarting even the most secure setups.
Such incidents reveal not only problem-solving but also an understanding of cause and effect—traits more commonly associated with mammals than with invertebrates.