The Mudbottom is an extremely rare instance of a cephalopod adapting and thriving within a freshwater environment. Though dependent upon water, it can withstand several days outside of it when transitioning to a new source－much like the Appalachian Waterhorse. This aquatic creature has been reported throughout history, such as within the rivers and waterways of these locations: Kanawha (WV, 1933), Blackwater (WV, 1946), Tygart Valley (WV, 1955), Licking (KY, 1959), Falls of the Ohio State Park (IN, 1999), the Ohio River in Louisville (KY, 1999), Lake Conway (AR, 2003), and Cincinnati (OH, 2006). They grow to be 2 - 3 ft long when stretched and measured from the top of the head to the tip of its longest appendage (its arms accounting for much of its girth). Photos of the creatures were captured by Jim Costa during the Blackwater River sighting, but were not published until 2002 in the Goldenseal Magazine. Though these animals have been frequently observed, they are usually found deceased on the banks; those placed in captivity die soon after capture.

Mudbottoms have four pairs of arms, each connected by a thick webbing; one of these pairs is slightly longer than the others. With a globular mantle covered in large warts, its hide is a murky brown speckled with green, its underside a dark blue, and eyes a pale green-yellow; these colors provide great camouflage for the octopus, especially when combined with a coating of mud/silt. Mudbottoms hide when they feel endangered or when a predator is spotted. If it is provoked while hiding, the color of its skin will suddenly brighten and its arms will push and/or pull the instigator; this is the animal’s last defence－an attempt to scare an attacker away. In most cases of predation or captivity, the octopus experiences such an extreme amount of stress that it dies. Unlike many saltwater species, Mudbottoms do not have ink sacs; however, their anatomical makeup and bodily processes are much the same, otherwise.

Mudbottoms graze on small morsels all day: snails, crawdads, a variety of fish, amphibians, baby turtles, eggs, algae, other aquatic vegetation, and invertebrates near or in the water. Fertilization occurs in the mantle and does not coincide with a mating ritual. After mating, males become senescent and die soon after. About two months after mating, female octopuses lay 10,000 minuscule eggs; they take care of their young for five months or less; at this time, they cease to eat, attending to their offspring instead－keeping them clean, aerated, and safe from predators. If a mother dies before her eggs are near hatching, all perish; once the eggs hatch, the female dies from starvation.

Young Mudbottoms hatch as paralarvae, slowly developing into mature individuals; most, though, are eaten by fish or other underwater predators before adulthood is reached. Youths feed on phytoplankton and zooplankton until they are large enough to eat other organisms (~3 months). Most of these creature’s lives are spent alone until they reach maturity－after which they seek out a mate.

Freshwater Octopuses live in rock-crevice dens or pits dug into the river bottom. They are not territorial animals. If food becomes scarce or dangers numerous, the animals will leave their homes in search of another. During a move, or when searching for a mate, Mudbottoms may traverse over land for a short time; as they breathe through their skin instead of gills, they can be without water for up to half an hour. Most travel on land during a rainy day, taking breaks in puddles before carrying on. This skill is also useful during droughts, as the animals may leave their dwindling water supplies to seek out stable environments; though this is dangerous, it is necessary, for they would die from starvation or suffocation anyway.

Like many species of octopus, Mudbottoms are very intelligent animals; they can open bottles, boxes, and other simple objects and have excellent long/short-term memory. They are capable of escaping capture and confinement with ease if they do not succumb to stress. However, the creatures do not live long lives－only living up to 3 years if mating does not take place.