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Common octopus

Distribution : Mediterranean · Atlantic Ocean

An octopus painted on a vase more than 3,000 years old! In Crete, artists were already drawing this animal with its arms curling around pottery. Some even gave it six arms instead of eight. A real octopus has eight.

Habitat of Common octopus Habitat
Sand, Rocky habitat, Coralligenous habitat
Depth range of Common octopus Depth
5-150 m
Biological group of Common octopus Group
Ecological role of Common octopus Role
Predator

Average size

60 cm

Precautions

Its bite can be painful and lead to infection if not properly cleaned.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

Eight arms surround the common octopus’s head. Rows of round suckers line their undersides. Its soft body can change colour quickly and shift from smooth skin to a bumpy appearance.

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Common octopus

Watch this species in filmed dives

Other species — Mollusc

White-spotted octopus Mediterranean Helmet Shell Umbrella slug Common cuttlefish Mediterranean triton Banded murex Lurid cowrie Three-coloured Aglaja

Same habitat and depth

Sandy seabed species Rocky seabed species Coralligenous habitat species

Same ecological role and depth

Predatory species

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What is this species’ ecological role?

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