Six-Month Endeavor: Rescued Octopus Learns Piano from Swedish Musician Mattias Krantz

Swedish musician and engineer Mattias Krantz has successfully taught an octopus, named Tako, to play the piano over a six-month period, a remarkable feat that began with the animal's rescue from a fish market. Krantz documented the entire process, showcasing the intelligence and adaptability of the cephalopod. The journey, which involved innovative engineering and patient training, culminated in Tako performing musical pieces, often alongside Krantz on guitar.

Krantz embarked on this unusual project driven by a desire to teach an animal to play piano, noting that octopuses possess "incredible potential" due to their problem-solving abilities and the independent "mini-brains" in each of their eight arms. He acquired Tako, also referred to as Takoyaki, from a fish market, saving it from becoming a meal. This initial act set the stage for an extraordinary human-animal bond and a unique scientific experiment.

Teaching Tako presented numerous challenges, as octopuses do not possess ears and pushing keys is not a natural motion for them. Krantz innovated by designing a custom-built, waterproof "octopus piano" featuring pull-levers that Tako could manipulate with its tentacles. He also developed a "crab elevator" system, where a treat would gradually lower with each successful note played, providing a tangible reward and motivation for the octopus.

After extensive trial and error, Tako began to play, demonstrating a surprising affinity for blues music and developing a distinct rhythm and style. Krantz expressed astonishment at Tako's musical range, humorously comparing the octopus's talent to that of Rachmaninoff. The musician and his eight-armed protégé frequently performed duets, highlighting the deep bond formed during their training sessions.

The story of Mattias Krantz and Tako has garnered significant attention, illustrating the profound capabilities of marine life and the unexpected connections that can form between species. It underscores the potential for interspecies communication and learning when approached with creativity and dedication. Tako, once destined for a dinner plate, now stands as a testament to the extraordinary outcomes possible through unconventional endeavors.