Octopuses are complicated and largely misunderstood creatures with their strong gelatinous bodies, color-changing skin, decentralized intelligence system, and keen problem-solving skills. In this talk, Jack Dubinsky, Aquarium Director of the Maria Mitchell Association, discusses the unique biology of octopuses, with a focus on examining some of the common myths about these peculiar cephalopods. He also shares some of his favorite stories and videos from raising Cthulhu, the Maria Mitchell Association’s mischievous octopus.

This lecture is presented as part of the Food for Thought Lecture Series at the Nantucket Whaling Museum and in partnership with the Maria Mitchell Association and the Nantucket Atheneum’s One Book One Island book selection: The Soul of the Octopus.

Jack Dubinsky discovered his passion for marine biology while volunteering for the Maria Mitchell Association Aquarium at the age of 12. After one brief summer amongst the MMA Aquarium interns and staff, he quickly discovered that he wanted to pursue a career in marine biology.