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Octopus

Common Octopus
  • Scientific Name: Octopus vulgaris
  • Types: Reef octopus.
  • Habitat: Shallow coastal waters, rocky reefs, seagrass beds.
  • Diet: Crabs, mollusks, small fish.
  • Reproduction: Sexual; males use a specialized arm (hectocotylus) to transfer sperm, and females guard eggs until they hatch.
  • Spotting Tips: Often hiding in rock crevices, showing excellent camouflage.
  • Countries: Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, Japan.
Mimic Octopus
  • Scientific Name: Thaumoctopus mimicus
  • Types: Master of disguise, can imitate over 15 species.
  • Habitat: Shallow, muddy coastal waters.
  • Diet: Crustaceans, small fish, and worms.
  • Reproduction: Sexual; short lifespan after reproduction with female guarding eggs.
  • Spotting Tips: Look for the distinctive banded brown and white coloration and unique movements mimicking other animals.
  • Countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand.
Blue Ringed Octopus
  • Scientific Name: Hapalochlaena lunulata (and related species).
  • Types: Small venomous octopus.
  • Habitat: Tide pools, shallow coral reefs.
  • Diet: Crustaceans and small fish.
  • Reproduction: Sexual; males die shortly after mating, females care for eggs until hatching.
  • Spotting Tips: Small size with distinctive bright blue rings, often hidden under rocks.
  • Countries: Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, Japan.
Giant Pacific Octopus
  • Scientific Name: Enteroctopus dofleini
  • Types: Largest octopus species.
  • Habitat: Cold coastal waters, rocky reefs, kelp forests.
  • Diet: Crabs, clams, fish, and shrimp.
  • Reproduction: Sexual; females lay thousands of eggs and guard them until they hatch, dying shortly after.
  • Spotting Tips: Look for large reddish-brown bodies near rocky crevices.
  • Countries: Pacific Ocean coasts – Alaska, Japan, Russia, Canada.