Female Octopuses Throw Shells at Annoying Males — Here’s Why They Do It and How It Works

Octopuses are known to be one of the most intelligent creatures on this planet. They have 3 hearts, 8 arms, and are capable of recognizing individuals. Their cognitive features include problem-solving skills, the ability to use tools, and even exhibiting their unique personalities.

However, one study published at Plos One showed that female octopuses have learned a surprising trick of their own. They picked up shells or silt and then threw them at males, annoying or harassing them. This might seem very strange as octopuses often live alone, but this was a moment captured in camera.

What Is “Throwing” for an Octopus?

An octopus can’t pick up objects like humans can with their hands. Instead, they will gather up debris, like bits of shells and silt, then blast it with a jet of water from a tube in their arm called a siphon. This “throwing behavior” could cause the thrown pieces to fly away about the equivalent of several of their bodies’ length.

The behavior was not similar to how a human would throw an object; rather, it is more like a water-propelled push of the debris. Also, although it is highly unusual, scientists think that the female octopuses throwing objects were aiming at males.

Read more: PLOS One

Who Throws More—Females or Males?

Female octopuses intentionally throw debris at harassing males

Both female and male octopuses have been seen throwing shells and debris; however, scientists noticed that the females do it more often. It was observed that females could sometimes throw not just once, but many times in a row, aiming at a male.

The male octopuses would do their best to duck and dodge the throw, but they still usually get hit because of the sheer amount of objects thrown. In other words, both the male and female recognize the act of throwing as an intentional action that could have a profound meaning.

Why Do They Throw at Males?

One theory about why female octopuses do this more often is that they dislike mating with that specific male, or they are not ready, and do not want them close to her. Scientists are still not 100% sure of what the behavior means; however, this is the leading idea.

It could also mean that they want more personal space, away from other octopuses, regardless of gender. Not all throws are also aimed at male octopuses; some are just them cleaning up debris near their homes or territory.

Read more: Popular Science

How Smart Is This Behavior?

Lady Octopuses ‘Throw’ Objects at Overbearing Males Underwater

Throwing any type of object underwater is a very unusual and fascinating behavior in the animal kingdom down there. This is because the very act of throwing requires planning, aiming, and quick thinking, which only a few animal species are capable of aside from humans, like monkeys, elephants, and dolphins.

Octopuses doing this intentionally is another testament to their intelligence and strength because of how hard it is to throw anything while in the water. While the exact reason is still not clear, the theories and ideas suggest that female octopuses could throw objects to keep their personal space, stop unwanted mating, or protect themselves from threats.

Author's Final Thoughts

This behavior, when viewed through a human’s lens, kind of translates to “leave me alone” or “don’t get close to me”. A clever way for female octopuses to communicate and signal their moods and desire, by throwing shells, silt, or algae at males that are bothering them, using a water jet from their arm’s siphon to aim and push the debris.

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