Underwater 'city' of social octopuses challenges old beliefs
Marine scientists have discovered Octlantis, an underwater "city" off Jervis Bay, Australia, where up to 15 gloomy octopuses live and interact.
This surprising find challenges the old idea that octopuses are always loners and reveals they can actually form social communities.
Dens built from shells
Octlantis—and its neighbor Octopolis—are packed with dens built from shells, with Octopolis also incorporating human-made debris.
These cozy shelters help the octopuses stay safe from predators and give them a rare chance to live close together on an otherwise empty seafloor.
More social and adaptable than we thought
With not many good hiding spots around, these octopuses have turned into creative "engineers," building and defending their dens.
Scientists noticed behaviors like sharing space, fighting for territory, and even kicking out neighbors—all showing that these sea creatures are way more social and adaptable than we thought.