Swedish Musician Teaches Octopus to Play Piano in Unprecedented Experiment
STOCKHOLM, Sweden — In a remarkable blend of music and marine biology, Swedish musician Mattias Krantz has spent half a year teaching his pet octopus, Takoyaki, to play the piano. The project, which Krantz described as both the “worst” and “coolest” thing he has ever done, showcases the surprising adaptability of the cephalopod and the creativity of its owner.
Krantz, known for his YouTube channel where he modifies and plays unusual musical instruments, acquired Takoyaki from a Portuguese fishery in March. Despite footage in his video showing a Korean seafood market, Krantz clarified that the octopus came from Portugal. Earning the trust of the octopus was a slow process, requiring patience and innovative approaches. To accommodate Takoyaki’s unique physiology, Krantz designed a keyboard equipped with levers that the octopus could manipulate using its tentacles.
Initially, Takoyaki was limited to playing one or two notes, often motivated by bubbles generated to attract his attention. Progress accelerated in August when Krantz installed a “crab elevator” in the tank—a device that lowered a crab, the octopus’s favorite treat, incrementally for each note played. This positive reinforcement encouraged Takoyaki to engage more actively with the instrument.
Adding to the musical collaboration, Krantz accompanied the octopus on guitar, and together they managed to perform the note progression of the children’s song “Baby Shark,” albeit off-tempo. Krantz reflected on the experience, telling The Washington Post, “It was probably the worst thing I’ve ever done, and maybe the coolest thing, but also the worst ever. I never pushed myself to such limits.”
Marine scientist Jenny Hofmeister offered a scientific perspective, cautioning that Takoyaki’s playing is likely a learned behavior motivated by food rewards rather than an appreciation of music. She explained, “The octopus is not perceiving rhythm. It’s not perceiving, you know, tempo. It wants to do the steps it has to do to get the crab.” This insight aligns with research on animal cognition and conditioning, as outlined by institutions like the National Science Foundation.
Krantz and Takoyaki now play together approximately every other day, a routine that has deepened their bond. “I can’t believe I sit here and play with an octopus,” Krantz said, highlighting the unusual but endearing nature of their partnership.
This story has captured the imagination of many, illustrating the intersection of human creativity and animal intelligence. It also raises interesting questions about the limits of animal training and the ways humans seek companionship and inspiration from the natural world. For more on cephalopod behavior and cognition, resources from the National Ocean Service provide valuable insights.
As Krantz continues his musical experiments, the world watches with curiosity and amusement, reminded that sometimes the most unexpected collaborations can produce the most memorable moments.
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