Squidward Tentacles is actually an octopus even though he has only six tentacles.

Creator Steven Hillenberg said it's because it's just easier to animate him with fewer tentacles.

SpongeBob fans are reeling.

Squidward Tentacles, despite his name, is actually an octopus in the "SpongeBob SquarePants" universe, according to creator Stephen Hillenberg.

The information was resurfaced by Buzzfeed, based on a 2005 special segment included on the DVD for "The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie" called "Case of the Sponge 'Bob.'" Stephen Hillenburg, the show's creator and a former marine biologist, said that Mr. Tentacles isn't what you'd expect.

"This is Squidward the Octopus," Hillenburg unceremoniously introduces him onscreen. "I like the octopus because they have such a bulbous head. And Squidward thinks he's an intellectual, so of course he's gonna have a large, bulbous head," he added.

It's an unexpected creative decision. Octopuses have eight legs each. Squidward has six. Also, his name is Squidward.

What happened? Did he lose the other two tentacles in a war or something?

"It was really just simpler for animation to just draw him with six legs instead of eight," Hillenberg said.

But if he's an octopus, why doesn't he ever squirt ink?

"We've tried to do jokes with Squidward releasing ink in the show, but it always looks like he's pooping his pants," Hillenberg said.

Then again, the revelation makes some sense. Real squids also have eight legs, in addition to two longer tentacles. Existing under the wrong name may contribute to Squidward's bottomless ennui and hatred of the cruel universe.

In any case, the show's fans are surprised and upset.