[primer42]

I love imagining how the fish are almost an extension of the way the octopuses think. Octopuses seem to have quite a bit of independent cognition in each of their arms, which are wrangled by the central brain. Now they're wrangling independent fish brains instead of octopus arm brains. Incredible

[setgree]

You might enjoy 'Children of Ruin' by Adrian Tchaikovsky, which explores this idea in depth with a civilization of genetically modified, super-intelligent octopuses. (Though I'd start with the first book in the series, 'Children of Time')

[zbirkenbuel]

A solid series, with descriptions of thought process feeling truly alien. I'm currently enjoying "The Mountain in the Sea" by Ray Nayler for more octopus based speculative fiction

[abhgh]

I would also recommend "The Mountain in the Sea"! I have mentioned this earlier on hn that I like it because it focuses on complexity of inter-species communication, even when both parties are intelligent. Interesting and somewhat unusual focus, plus loved the style of writing.

[fuzztester]

Don't worry, Alt Samman & co. will soon create GAI - Genetically Advanced Intelligence, Octopus Edition, which will know how to manhandle us, 8 arms at a time.

[thrance]

Also featuring geneticaly modified super-intelligent octopuses, is "Manifold: Time" by Stephen Baxter.

[mellavora]

>Octopuses seem to have quite a bit of independent cognition in each of their arms, which are wrangled by the central brain.

Yes, that's inherent in the design. All grey matter (optimized for local intercommunication), no white matter (optimized for sending signals between regions).

Each arm has its own ganglion ("CPU") and the central unit struggles to keep up with these and keep them coordinated.

[mistrial9]

living brains are not "CPUs"

[exe34]

it's a metaphor, you very clever person who though you had a gotcha.

[astrange]

They're SoCs.

[Dansvidania]

why not?