Octopuses are very curious, intelligent, & playful sea dwellers. They can open screw caps, play with toys in the current, & always find the exit from labyrinths. Octopus can be easily distinguished from other squids because they have eight tentacles. This is why they are called octopus, because the Greek word "okto" means eight & "puos" means foot. If they feel threatened, they release an ink-like liquid, which spreads in the water like a huge, dark cloud. The octopus can thus disguise the direction of its escape. Moreover, the animals are masters of camouflage because they can instantly change their body colour from grey-brown to blue-green, red or pink. Schleich manufacture amazingly wonderful accurate models of all sorts of animals, including this Octopus model. All Schleich models are beautifully hand painted to give wonderful role play to children & also make a great collectors item for the nature enthusiast.