Wilson Menashi palms a small squid in his right hand and extended the arm into an aquarium tank, watching calmly as an elusive giant Pacific octopus stretched out sinewy tentacles onto his forearm to greet the 84-year-old man like a beloved friend. There is no need for words. Freya the octopus gently latches some of her 2,240 suction cups onto Menashi's arm – and used the suckers' superb power of taste and smell to gather information around the man known as the octopus whisperer and the seafood treats he was bearing. The gentle, patient and silent interaction leaves no doubt that Menashi has a special way with the alien-like animals whose body include a large, sac-like head onto which its eight powerful tentacles are attached.