Which animal is a master of disguise, able to make its skin bumpy or smooth to blend in with the background? An octopus It s hard to imagine that a spineless creature such as the octopus is actually an intelligent animal. Some, such as the giant Pacific octopus, weigh up to 154 pounds and can stretch up to 23 feet from arm to arm Young readers will discover through vibrant photos and intriguing text that octopuses, often misunderstood and feared, are actually curious, playful, and gentle sea creatures.