Swedish blogger and musician Mattias Krantz conducted an experiment that went viral even before it was finished. For six months, he trained his pet octopus, Takoyaki, to press piano keys using special levers. The sea creature, which he bought at a fish market in Portugal, was initially completely uninterested in the instrument.
Earning the octopus’s trust turned out to be far more difficult than Krantz expected. According to him, he practically begged the animal to touch the levers attached to the keys. But over time, Takoyaki began engaging with the setup and eventually learned to produce several notes in a row.
To speed up progress, the musician introduced a playful trick — a “crab elevator” installed in the aquarium. Every time the octopus hit the correct note, a treat descended from above. Takoyaki mastered the system quickly and started playing more actively.
Once the octopus learned simple melodies, Krantz decided to accompany him on guitar. Now the unusual duo performs almost daily, and social media followers eagerly await new videos.
Krantz admits that the project pushed him to his limits. He calls the experience “the worst and maybe the coolest thing” he has ever done, still amazed that he now plays music together with an octopus.
Scientists, however, remain skeptical. Marine biologists point out that the octopus plays not for pleasure, but solely to receive treats — so calling this real musical talent may be misleading.