Octopuses Use Mirrors to Find Hidden Prey, Study Finds

California Octopuses Master Mirror-Navigated Hunting

California two-spot octopuses have demonstrated a sophisticated ability to track hidden prey using mirror reflections, successfully identifying targets in 70 percent of trials. Published June 22, 2026, in Current Biology, the study reveals that these cephalopods process complex spatial information without relying on a direct line-of-sight.

Adapting to the Mirror

To ensure the subjects viewed mirrors as neutral elements rather than threats, researchers implemented a preliminary adaptation phase. As reported by detikcom, the team confirmed the animals were comfortable by observing them eating in front of mirrors before testing began.

The training required the octopuses to locate crabs inside glass jars placed behind corners, rendering the prey visible only through reflection. Initially, the animals moved directly toward the mirror. However, after 10 to 12 attempts, they began using the reflection to find the jars.

Eliminating Sensory Shortcuts

To rule out scent or tactile feedback, researchers introduced virtual prey for the final testing phase. The setup placed a virtual display of a crab outside an open-topped box. To succeed, the octopuses had to leave the container, rotate, and move toward the side indicated by the reflection.

The data proved statistically significant. In 59 percent of successful trials, the octopuses climbed over the walls of the box to create a shortcut to their target.

A Three-Dimensional Perspective

Dr. Mary Kieseler, the study’s lead author, noted that one subject successfully completed the task on its first attempt. In comments provided to Popular Science, Kieseler suggested this wall-climbing behavior points to a nuanced, three-dimensional grasp of space.

"One of the things that is really cool is that an octopus managed to do it on its first try," Kieseler noted. "Their understanding of their environment seems more three-dimensional than ours. We can’t just walk up a wall; an octopus can," she added.

Challenging Human-Centric Metrics

The findings, also documented by Lensa Hukum, push back against traditional human-centric models of animal cognition. Kieseler argues that because cephalopods interact with the world in ways physically impossible for humans, their intelligence cannot be measured by human standards.

"People often measure intelligence based on human concepts," Kieseler explained. "Humans tend to think, the further something looks from us, the stupider that person is." She concluded that the study reflects a broader reality: "These animals are very intelligent in their own ways."