Spectral perception in Octopus: A behavioral study

Abstract

A single octopus ( O. apollyon : Berry, 1912) was kept in a 20 gal seawater tank at 15°C. The presence or absence of color vision was examined by the use of lights differing in wavelength as training stimuli. Positive stimulation consisted of a 580-nm light, shocking stick and crab hung by a string. A negative stimulation consisted of the same material except a 480-nm light replaced the 580-nm light, and a shock was administered when the crab was taken. The results of these tests were compared quantitatively and qualitatively with the results of shape discrimination training experiments. On the basis of these comparisons, it was concluded that this octopus lacks color vision.