An octopus is often said to have nine brains: one main central brain and eight “mini-brains” in its arms.

Quick Scoop

  • 1 central brain in the head, between the eyes, shaped a bit like a ring around the esophagus.
  • 8 additional neural centers (ganglia or “mini-brains”), one in each arm, that help the arm sense, move, and react semi-independently.
  • In total, this “nine-brain” setup forms a distributed nervous system rather than nine separate minds.

Why people say “nine brains”

  • The central brain handles big-picture decisions like hunting, hiding, or exploring.
  • Each arm’s mini-brain can locally control movement, grip, and even basic problem-solving, which makes octopuses excellent multitaskers.

Fun extra: three hearts, too

  • Along with the nine-brain nervous system, octopuses also have three hearts pumping oxygen-rich, blue blood, adding to their reputation as some of the most unusual and intelligent animals in the ocean.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.