International Octopus Day 2026

The tropical island phase of my childhood introduced me to much in the way of fish and marine species with which I engaged in study and observation.

One of those specimens in my collection were a few octopus samples which I found to be intelligent and interactive and fun. These were to be had in various coral reef container type objects like jars, cans, and such and I maintained a saltwater tank for these escapades.

An octopus is a soft-bod
ied, eight-limbed marine mollusk belonging to the class Cephalopoda and the order Octopoda. The the plural word for "octopus" underwent various enumerations based on current information at that time.

• Octopuses: The standard and most widely accepted English plural. (I sometimes bastardized this to octopussies because I was always attempting to be the comedian.
• Octopodes: A Greek-derived plural (oktōpodes). (This was my preferred plural).
• Octopi: A common historical mistake assuming a Latin. second-declension ending, though actually incorrect because the word is Greek in origin.

International Octopus Day is observed each October 8 under the auspices of The Octopus News Magazine Online since 2007 to honor the unique biology, intelligence, and ecological importance of octopuses. It marks the start of International Cephalopod Awareness Days which run through October 12.

Octopi are interesting animals which can interact with you at a surprisingly insightful manner. Should I ever find myself back living in the Florida keys or somewhere with ample habitat I will likely engage them as pets once again.