If you’re a fan of the underwater world and are fascinated by different types of octopus and other exotic creatures living under the sea, then you’re in the right place to learn about them!
From the smallest, as tiny as a thumbnail, to as big as a sports car, these creatures vary in size, features, colors, and patterns. Some may be considered as creepy and threatening to humans, but they are all very unique! For all lovers of this amazing sea creature out there, make sure you check out our best octopus gift ideas.
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World Octopus Day Infographic
World Octopus Day Infographic
10 Different Types of Octopus
Every 8th October the world celebrates World Octopus Day! In order to celebrate our favorite cephalopod, Ocean Scuba Dive, have put together this awesome list of 10 different species of octopus dedicated to our eight-legged, three-hearted, inky buddies!
1. Blue-Ringed
The Blue-Ringed Octopus deserves to be highlighted, even if it is a little unnerving. This colorful species is named as such because of the distinctive blue-colored rings around its body, it measures between 5 to 8-inches and as beautiful as it is, it is not the friendliest of creatures.
This tiny creature can be aggressive and has enough toxin, known as Tetrodotoxin, to kill approximately 26 adult human beings in minutes.
2. Seven-Arm
To look at, it appears as if the Seven-Arm Octopus, otherwise known as haliphron atlanticus, has one less tentacle than others. The curious thing is they do have 8 arms, but one is tricky to spot and resembles a sac that sits beneath the eyes. As it’s one of the bigger species, it’s easy to see why it arouses a lot of interest.
3. Mimic
The Mimic Octopus species are known for their abilities to disappear into the background, but the Mimic goes one better than others. It is known as a mimic thanks to its ability to copy other sea creatures. They do this as a protective measure against predators.
At just 2-feet long when they are fully grown, they are not the biggest in the sea, so anything they can do to avoid a scrap with other aquatic animals is helpful.
4. North Pacific Giant
There was no way we were going to look at octopus types without covering the largest of them all, the North Pacific Giant Octopus. This one can measure as 15-feet long and weigh as much as 150-pounds.
Like all the species, it can change its coloring and blend into the surroundings. With this species, though, it’s even more crucial for its survival. It is not as quick a swimmer as others and due to its size, can’t just slip into tiny nooks and crannies. Which is why it relies heavily on pigmentation to protect it from would-be predators.
5. California Two-Spot
Of the octopus breeds, the California two-spot standouts in several ways. For one thing, it’s the blue spots they have around their eyes. These vary in shape and are where this species gets its name. Although they are always blue, the shade can vary from one animal to the next.
While their mantle measures around 7-inches in length, their arms can grow to as long as 25-inches. Despite their size, though, they tend to live just 65-feet underwater, making it easier for interactions between humans and them to occur.
6. Atlantic Pygmy
We’ve looked at the biggest, so it’s only fitting that we also look at one of the smallest types of animals found in the ocean, of the more than 300 species there are in the world. The Atlantic Pygmy measures approximately 5 1/2-inches, with around 3-inches or more of that accounting for the length of its tentacles. Adults weigh just 1-ounce.
Given its miniature stature, it can use some truly inspiring places for hiding from predators. One of the favorites of the species is clamshells. Once safely in place, they use the sand around their hideout to protect themselves.
7. Caribbean Reef
Generally, although it like all breeds, can change its pigments, this colorful octopus is most commonly found sporting a green and blue coloring that is very eye-catching. Often, they are mistaken for the Common Octopus. The easiest way to tell them apart, though, is the eyes. Caribbean Reef octopus have dark circles around their eyes.
They are not especially fast swimmers but are able to lie completely flat and disappear into the scenery. Which is quite impressive as their mantle is 5-inches long and their tentacles around the 23-inches mark.
8. Common
Of all the different kinds of octopus, The Common is one that you are likely to have seen, even if it’s just been on a documentary on TV. They have been more extensively studied than others. The problem is there are huge differences between individual Common Octopi.
While some can reach lengths of 36-inches and weigh 20-pounds, others only measure around the 12-inch mark and weigh about 7-pounds. This can lead them to be confused for other species. They are often distinguished though by their oversized head and eyes that look too big for their bodies.
9. East Pacific Red
This is another species of octopus that many people have familiarity with. While the East Pacific Red can perform miraculous color changes, they are most commonly red. They are a small octopus with a weight of, when they are fully mature, 5-ounces, and a length of 20-inches.
Their length is disproportionate with their tentacles stretching to lengths 3 times longer than their bodies. Unlike many other species, the males and females are very hard to differentiate.
10. Dumbo
If you’re playing the “I can tell what’s special about that type by its name” game, then you’ve probably figured out the Dumbo octopus shares characteristics with the famous Disney elephant that could fly. There is more to them than just their cute appearance with those large fins.
For instance, researchers have found this octopus species at depths of as much as 13.100-feet, making them among the deepest dwelling type. Another curiosity is their lack of an ink sack, likely because they don’t have many natural predators in the deepest parts of the ocean.
Now that you have learned a little more about these amazing creatures, carry on these celebrations with one of Azula’s 11 Brilliant Ways To Celebrate World Octopus Day!
