The Octopus tattoo is the perfect tattoo for creative flexibility as far as tattoo design is concerned. The tattoo artist can design this sea creature to be wrapped around arms and legs, draped over shoulders and wrapped around torsos and backs. Add to that the Octopus’s chameleon like ability to change color to match their surrounds, and their wide variety of colors. They are ideal designs to incorporate into existing tattoos and maritime scenes and they also can symbolize a huge range of characteristics and virtues.

Naturally intelligent, creative and flexible, the octopus also acquires its mystique from the watery environment in which it lives. It is a master of camouflage, and can literally disappear before your eyes. And if that tactic doesn’t work to evade oncoming predators, the octopus will eject a cloud of black ink to make it’s escape. It is all part of the mystery and sense of wonder that surrounds this eight-tentacled creature.

Octopi do not have spines, which makes them great escape artists. It makes them agile, graceful, and flexible without much solid structure. As a tattoo, the octopus would remind one to loosen up, to give up bad habits, and to try something new for a change.

The Octopus’ ability to disengage a limb when under attack could signify ‘letting go of excess baggage’ from ones life. In addition, it’s ability to grow back the missing limb makes it a symbol of regeneration. Various observations of the octopus by people over the years have attached even more qualities to this animal’s very busy aura — will, focus, magic, illusion, defense, mystery, expansion, complexity, adaptability, insatiability, and unpredictability.