Giant Pacific Octopus
GIANT PACIFIC OCTOPUS (Enteroctopus dofleini) is the largest species of octopus in the world. It is found in the northern Pacific Ocean from the northwest coast of the continental United States to Japan, including Puget Sound.
"When fully extended from arm tip to arm tip, the Giant Pacific Octopus can measure an average of 16 feet long. It has a highly developed brain and acute vision. Although it is usually reddish-brown, the giant Pacific octopus is a master of camouflage and can quickly change its skin color and texture to match its surroundings. Due to its large size, only the largest fish (such as halibut and lingcod) and marine mammals are any threat to adults. It typically pounces on its prey, envelops it with its inter-arm webbing, and uses its beak to tear off pieces or break open hard-shelled prey." --Encyclopedia of the Sanctuary: Cordell Bank, NOAA; National Marine Sanctuaries
DISTRIBUTION
Alaska to southern California
HABITAT
Rocky shores in tide pools and in areas from the low-tide line to depths of 1,650 feet
DIET
Crabs, clams, snails, small fishes, and even other octopus
Additional resources:
Alaska Fisheries Science Center
About the Author:
The ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE SANCTUARY is funded by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (NMSF) with support from the National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP).
Cordell Bank
Director of NMS Program: Dan Basta
Executive Director of NMSF: Lori Arguelles
Director of Communications: Matt Stout
Project Manager: Michael Hanrahan, The Ocean Channel
Content Development: Jennifer Stock
Design & Development: WMedia Inc.
Video Production: Michael Hanrahan
Stock Video Footage: CBNMS, CINMS, MBNMS, Jamie Hall, Scot Anderson, Kip F. Evans
Data Research: Rob Ellis
Contributing Photographers: CBNMS/Jody Pirtle, CBNMS/Linda Snook, CBNMS/Tara Anderson, CBNMS/Michael Carver, GFNMS, Peter Pyle, Rich Stallcup, Scot Anderson, Howard Hall, Cordell Expeditions- Don Dvorak , Kip F. Evans, Steve Lock, Peter Pyle, Ed Harper, Ed Greaves, Jamie Hall, Dave Wrobel, Nancy Black
About this article
Article Type:
Author:
Encyclopedia of the Sanctuary: National Marine Sanctuary Sanctuaries, NOAA; Alaska Fisheries Science Center
External Publication Source:
Encyclopedia of the Sanctuary: National marine Sanctuaries; http://www8.nos.noaa.gov/onms/park/Parks/SpeciesCard.aspx?refID=4&CreatureID=1047&pID=4
Originally Published:
November 2012
Posted in EoPS:
11/09/2012
Topic Editor:
Encyclopedia of Puget Sound