4 Octopus Species You Need To Know

Octopods are marine animals with eight arms, which do not have a shell and feed on fish, crustaceans and plants. In this article we will tell you about some of the octopus species that live in the depths of the oceans.

It is worth clarifying that the correct term for these animals is octopus. We use “octopus” to indicate a particularly large common octopus. On the contrary, it is wrong to use the word “polyp”, since it refers to the animal that gives rise to the corals.

How many species of octopuses are there?

In total there are more than 300 species of octopus and they all live in salty waters, both cold and warm. They are differentiated by their size and colors. So let’s discover together four varieties that will not leave you indifferent:

1. Blue-ringed octopus

As the name suggests, the blue-ringed octopus – you can see it in the image that opens this article – has a clear body with blue circular “spots”, which can even change tone, depending on how you want to blend in with the environment.

With quite small dimensions, not exceeding 20 centimeters, this octopus moves very fast when it goes in search of prey. If he feels cornered by a predator, he releases some kind of toxic “ink” so he can escape in a couple of seconds.

The blue-ringed octopus is one of the most aggressive and territorial species in existence. It can fight with others like it to fight for food, shelter or defend a certain territory. It is dangerous for humans, since its sting can be lethal.

2. California spotted octopus

From its name you can already guess two characteristics of its kind. First of all, it has two spots on the body. Second, it lives in California waters. However, it can also be found in Japan, Mexico and Africa. Its spots are blue in color and are around the eyes, while the rest of the body is usually grayish.

This California octopus measures around 40 centimeters, almost 25 of which belong to its arms. It is said to be one of the more “friendly” species because it does not usually attack and tolerate its fellow creatures without problems, except when it comes to food, consisting mainly of crustaceans, molluscs and small fish.

3. Common octopus

Its scientific name is Octopus vulgaris and it is one of the largest in existence. It can measure 90 centimeters and weigh 9 kg. With a large head and large eyes – something disproportionate to the rest of the body – it can change color to blend in with the environment in which it lives.

The common octopus is found in all oceans. Both in temperate and tropical zones, although it is more common to find it in the Mediterranean Sea, in the Canary Islands, on the English coast, in the Cape Verde islands and in some areas of Africa.

Its life expectancy is quite short (around 2 years ) and it dies shortly after mating. The female can lay 200,000 eggs and avoids them being devoured by possible predators by any means. Typically, he stays for about 40 days near the young and eats part of his arm to recover energy.

4. Giant Pacific Octopus

Among the known octopus species, this is the largest : specimens up to 9 meters long have been observed . It has the ability to change color and blend in with corals, plants and rocks. It lives longer than any other octopod (for about 4 years) and is said to be the smartest invertebrate. It is able to get out of mazes and open hermetically sealed jars.

It lives in the temperate waters of the Pacific Ocean, from Southern California to Alaska and also in Japan. It hunts at night and feeds on fish, lobsters, crabs, clams and shrimp. It breeds in the summer. The male passes semen to the female, who will then lay about 100,000 eggs in shallower water.