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How octopuses squeeze through tiny openings, step by step
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How octopuses squeeze through tiny openings, step by step

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The cephalopod how-to guide involves three or four moves, depending on a hole’s size

Octopuses are famous for fleeing tanks by squeezing through narrow slits and impossibly tiny holes. Now scientists have studied the sequences some cephalopods like this Mayan octopus use to make such great escapes.

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Octopuses are famous for fleeing tanks by squeezing through narrow slits and impossibly tiny holes. Now scientists have studied the sequences some cephalopods like this Mayan octopus use to make such great escapes.

Michael Kuba

Octopuses have made many a great escape. Remember Inky, who fled from New Zealand’s national aquarium?

The cephalopods can Houdini their way out of tanks and off boats by squeezing through narrow slits and incredibly tiny holes. Now researchers know exactly how some octopuses pull it off.…

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