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ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Common octopus

Distribution : Mediterranean · Atlantic Ocean

Observing a Common octopus is often a fascinating moment on a dive. Concealed in a fissure or seagrass bed, it changes colour, texture and sometimes shape to blend into the surroundings. Curious and skilful, it offers a remarkable observation.

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
Apex predator

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

This flexible-bodied cephalopod has eight arms bearing suckers. It can modify its skin colour and appearance very quickly to blend into its surroundings. Its skeleton-free body allows it to slip through very narrow spaces. It has a hard beak hidden at the centre of the arms and excellent vision. Its copper-rich blood gives it a bluish colour.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It occurs on varied seabeds, particularly rocky or sandy ones and seagrass beds. It lives alone and shelters in a cavity it may arrange and camouflage with shells or stones.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

It is an active hunter mainly feeding on crustaceans, molluscs and sometimes fish. It captures prey with its arms, then uses its beak to open or pierce it.

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Common octopus

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Other species — Mollusc

White-spotted octopus Common cuttlefish Sea hare Mediterranean Helmet Shell Mediterranean triton Umbrella slug Three-coloured Aglaja Orange topshell

Same habitat and depth

Sandy seabed species Rocky seabed species Coralligenous habitat species

Same ecological role and depth

Apex predator species

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