Common Octopus

(Octopus vulgaris)

Octopus vulgaris means common octopus and was given to a group of octopuses that are commonly seen around the world in many habitats!

This octopus has a large brain to help disguise itself with its surroundings, navigate its environment, and make clever escapes.

This species is very important to scientists and engineers, for everything from ecology to neuroscience to robotics. They may be called “common” octopuses, but they’re really quite special!

Considered to be a medium-large size octopus with adults commonly weighing 3-5 Kg (6-11 lbs). Mantle length to 250 mm (10 in); total length to around 1.3 m (4 ft).

SIZE

LOCATION Found in temperate, subtropical, and tropical waters worldwide from nearshore shallow waters to the outer edge of the continental shelf (in depths from 0-200 m or 0-650 ft).

HABITAT

Benthic dwelling species that lives in a diversity of habitats such as coral reefs, coral rubble, seagrass beds, rock reefs, and occasionally mud and sand plains.

DIET This species typically eats crustaceans, bivalves, and gastropods. After eating, the Common Octopus “decorates” its den with prey remains. These discards are called midden.

BODY PATTERNS AND BEHAVIORS

Living in a variety of complex habitats with many predators this species is equipped with a large brain that enables it to carry out a range of body patterns and behaviors.

Its skin has a distinct patch and groove system that forms a reticulate pattern and a pair of white spots on the dorsal mantle’s mid-region.

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MORE

Atlantic Longarm Octopus (Macrotritopus defilippi)

Common Sydney Octopus (Octopus tetricus)

Wunderpus (Wunderpus photogenicus)

STORIES