The octopus has terrified, mystified, and fascinated the world from ancient times. In this revealing, closeup account of the stranger-than-fiction life cycle, ingenious anatomy, remarkable personalities, and uncanny intelligence of the eight-armed mollusk-without-a-shell, three avid field researchers tell a tale that will forever change the way you look at a wondrous creature of the deep.<BR><BR>The visually arresting and often misunderstood octopus has long captured popular imagination. With an alien appearance and uncanny intellect, this exceptional sea creature has inspired fear in famous lore and legends---from the giant octopus attack in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea to Ursula the sea witch in The Little Mermaid. Yet its true nature is more wondrous still. After decades of research, the authors reveal a sensitive, curious, and playful animal with remarkable intelligence and advanced problem-solving abilities, an ability to defend itself with camouflage and jet propulsion, and an intricate nervous system.<BR><BR>In this beautifully photographed book, three leading marine biologists bring readers face to face with these amazingly complex animals that have fascinated scientists for decades. From the molluscan ancestry of today's octopus to its ingenious anatomy, amazing mating and predatory behaviors, and other-worldly relatives, the authors take readers through the astounding life cycle, uncovering the details of distinctive octopus personalities. With personal narratives, underwater research, stunning photography, and thoughtful guidance for keeping octopuses in captivity, Octopus is the first comprehensive natural history of this smart denizen of the sea.