SHARING a movie with a sucky eight-armed animal may not be every woman's perfect date.

But Renata Pronk did it for science and made two significant discoveries.

Octopuses can watch television and understand at least some of what they see.

In a second finding, the Macquarie University marine biology researcher resolved a long scientific debate, discovering that octopuses, despite their intelligence, lack personalities.

"Octopuses are very smart," said Miss Pronk. "I have seen my octopuses open Vegemite jars by unscrewing the lid. They can find their way through mazes to reach food rewards at the end."