“The Octopus is greedy, sneaky, and voracious, and it will eat anything. It is probably the most omnivorous creature in the sea. Here is the proof: in times of hunger, it will eat one of its own tentacles, thus making up for lack of prey. When better times come, it grows back the missing limb. Nature thus gives it a ready meal in moments of want.”

Aelian, ‘On the Nature of Animals’ written circa 200 ad. Translated by Gregory McNamee