Speeds and variation in body form during crawling,
bipedal walking, swimming and jetting by the shallowwater
octopus Abdopus aculeatus were compared to
explore possible interactions between defense behaviors
and biomechanics of these multi-limbed organisms.
General body postures and patterns were more complex
and varied during the slow mode of crawling than during
fast escape maneuvers such as swimming and jetting.
These results may reflect a trade-off between predator
deception and speed, or simply a need to reduce drag
during jet-propelled locomotion. Octopuses swam faster
when dorsoventrally compressed, a form that may
generate lift, than when swimming in the head-raised
posture. Bipedal locomotion proceeded as fast as
swimming and can be considered a form of fast escape
(secondary defense) that also incorporates elements of
crypsis and polyphenism (primary defenses). Body
postures during walking suggested the use of both static
and dynamic stability. Absolute speed was not correlated
with body mass in any mode. Based on these findings the
implications for defense behaviors such as escape from
predation, aggression, and ‘flatfish mimicry’ performed