In the Pacific Ocean it is easily distinguishable by it’s large size and is only mistaken at young ages with the red octopus. [16], Cosgrove, J.A. It is also used as bait for Pacific halibut and other fish species. [15] In addition, the octopus (along with cuttlefish and squid) are major sources of protein for human consumption. THE END THE OCTOPUS BY: LISA MARIA KNAPP DIAGRAM OF AN OCTOPUS HERE YOU HAVE A FIGURE OF AN OCTOPUS AND SHOWS ITS BODY PARTS SCIENTIFIC NAME OF NORTH PACIFIC GIANT OCTOPUS Enteroctopus dofleini HOW DOES THE NORTH PACIFIC GIANT OCTOPUS FEED? By using ThoughtCo, you accept our. Location: Japan, Siberia, Alaska to Mexico. The giant Pacific octopus, the largest octopus species, is usually reddish-pink with a delicate, veinlike pattern when you see it up close, fading to white on the underside of the arms. Giant Pacific Octopus. As its common name suggests, this large cephalopod lives along coastlines of the North Pacific Ocean. [29] Fish and octopuses move from the deep towards the shallow water for more oxygen. An octopus's garden The adult giant Pacific octopus eats a wide assortment of seafood including crabs, clams and other mussels. On average, the giant octopus can grow to over 100 lbs and there have been rare cases of individuals observed reaching 300-400 pounds. The Pacific octopus was recently re-classified. Compared to the giant octopus of the Pacific Northwest, which reaches weights of 90 pounds (40.5 kg), both Hawaiian species are small, perhaps reaching a maximum arm span of two to three feet (to 0.9 m) and maximum weight of 10 pounds (4.5 kg). Its beak and radula are at the center of the mantle. The adult giant Pacific octopus weighs around 33 lbs. [17], The giant Pacific octopus is considered to be long-lived compared to other species, with lifespans typically 3–5 years in the wild. A giant octopus (also known as the giant Pacific octopus or as it's scientific name, Enteroctopus dofleini) typically weighs about one hundred and fifty six pounds. They are spotted anywhere from California up to Alaska and across to Japan. A female giant Pacific octopus named Billye was also seen opening a childproof pill bottle. Starting from 0.03 g and growing to 20–40 kg (44–88 lb) at adulthood, which is an increase of around 0.9% of growth a day. It has lifespan of 4 to 5 years. It was recorded in Alaskan Aleutian Islands and Baja California. [14], Scavengers and other organisms often attempt to eat octopus eggs, even when the female is present to protect them. Habitat: Subtidal to 5,000 ft. Scientific Name : Enteroctopus Dofleini. Warming seawater temperatures promote phytoplankton growth, and annual dead zones have been found to be increasing in size. The giant Pacific octopus is an important protein source for human consumption. The GPO has a new cousin which was found accidentally off the coast of Alaska, but it has not been given a scientific name yet. Survival of egg masses is an important determinant of … Their arms span up to 4.3 m or 14 ft. Scientists have relied on catch numbers to estimate stock abundance, but the animals are solitary and difficult to find. Octopuses have been found to migrate for a variety of reasons. On average, the giant octopus can grow to over 100 lbs and there have been rare cases of individuals observed reaching 300-400 pounds. [16] The octopus is parasitized by Dicyemodeca anthinocephalum, which lives in their renal appendages. The Giant Pacific Octopus is the largest of the species. About 3.3 million tons are commercially fished, worth $6 billion annually. [21] Giant Pacific Octopuses are commonly kept on display at aquariums due to their size and interesting physiology, and have demonstrated the ability to recognize humans that they frequently come in contact with. [27] Populations in Puget Sound are not considered threatened. In laboratory tests and aquariums, it has been able to solve mazes very quickly and can unscrew jar lids to retrieve food inside. The mantle length can be up to 23.5 inches, and the overall length from 9.8 to 16.4 feet. The typical octopus has a saccular body, which means that their head is only slightly defined from their body. Giant Pacific octopus paralarvae are preyed upon by many other zooplankton and filter feeders. Fished from the white sands off the Canary Islands, the warmer waters here yield a naturally smaller and sweeter-tasting species than those found in Asian waters. Large spermatophores are characteristic of octopuses in this genus. [16], During reproduction, the male octopus deposits a spermatophore (or sperm packet) more than 1 m long using his hectocotylus (specialized arm) in the female's mantle. It is the largest octopusspecies, based on a s… Enteroctopus dofleini Phylogenetic Trees . Some research suggests that fishing other species have aided octopus populations, by taking out predators and competitors. [1] If sea water temperatures continue to rise, these organisms may be forced to move to deeper, cooler water. Scientific Name Enteroctopus dofleini Range North to Alaska, South to Mexico Conservation Status Not Listed Aquatic Invertebrate. However, the Southern Red Octopus is very small compared to the other members of Enteroctopus and only grows up to about 8.81 pounds (4 kilograms) – this is still “big” compared to many other octopus species. Scientific name: Enteroctopus dofleini What do you call more than one octopus? [10][11] Food is procured with its suckers and then bitten using its tough beak of chitin. In laboratory tests and aquariums, it has been able to solve mazes very quickly and can unscrew jar lids to retrieve food inside. Details: Not only is this animal large and fierce, but it possesses better camouflage than most land animals, including most species of chameleon, which do not camouflage at all.Unlike the blue ringed octopus, this species does not contain venom nor does it utilize aposematism. In captivity, they can distinguish between and recognize different keepers. This baby octopus has a whopping arm span of 5 inches. It can be found in the coastal Pacific Northwest and is arguably the largest octopus species, based on a scientific record of a 71 kg (156.5 lb) individual weighed live. Welcome to the Den of the Giant Pacific Octopus! The Giant Pacific octopus, Enteroctopus dofleini, is a contender for being the largest of all octopus species, but it turns out it is actually at least two distinct species. These eight-footed invertebrates have highly developed nervous systems which explain their capacity to solve puzzles, distinguish shapes and patterns, and even develop short- and long-term memory. [12] Additionally, consumed carcasses of this same shark species have been found in giant Pacific octopus middens in the wild, providing strong evidence of these octopuses preying on small sharks in their natural habitat. The giant Pacific octopus lives in the Pacific Ocean off the coasts of Russia, Japan, Korea, British Columbia, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and California. This octopus is the large species in the octopus world. Protection of other threatened species may affect octopus populations (the sea otter, for example), as they may rely on octopuses for food. Their arms span up to 4.3 m or 14 ft. [16] They have been known to open tank valves, disassemble expensive equipment, and generally wreak havoc in labs and aquaria. 1987. Here are five interesting facts about them: With an arm span of up to 6 metres and a weight of about 50 kg, the giant Pacific octopus is the largest species of octopus in the world. Octopus are in the mollusk phylum (snails, clams, chitons) and more specifically are members of the class Cephalopoda which includes squid, cuttlefish and nautilus. Quicker hatching time may also affect critical timing with food availability. The scientific name for the common octopus is Octopus vulgaris. Basically, the GPO lacks the frill along the length of its body, which inspired the new species’ name that scientists are using until they come up with a scientific name. After reproduction, they enter a stage called senescence, which involves obvious changes in behavior and appearance, including a reduced appetite, retraction of skin around the eyes giving them a more pronounced appearance, increased activity in uncoordinated patterns, and white lesions all over the body. The Glass Octopus is one of the two species belonging to the genus Vitreledonella. In game, it is very oversized. The availability of appropriate den sites in rocky subtidal habitat may limit octopus distribution and abundance. While the duration of this stage is variable, it typically lasts about one to two months. Each fall in Washington's Hood Canal, a habitat for many octopuses, phytoplankton and macroalgae die and create a dead zone. He stops eating and spends more time in open water. [9], E. dofleini preys upon shrimp, crabs, scallop, abalone, cockles, snails, clams, lobsters, fish, and other octopuses. Other common names of Octopus dofleini are North Pacific giant octopus, Giant Pacific octopus, Giant octopus, Poulpe géant and Pulpo gigante. The adult giant Pacific octopus weighs around 33 lbs. [34] The prey base that octopuses prefer (crab, clams, scallops, mussels, etc.) During this time, it leads a solitary existence, breeding only one time. The only member of this genus that deserves the common name "Giant octopus" is Enteroctopus dofleini. The octopus grabs and restrains prey using its tentacles and suckers, then bites it and tears away flesh with its tough beak. Guinness World Records lists the largest specimen as weighing 136 kg (300 lb) with an arm span of 9.8 m (32 ft). [30] Lower trophic levels include all prey items, and may fluctuate inversely with octopus abundance. History. The giant Pacific octopus is a very intelligent animal that can learn to open jars, play with toys and interact with — and even recognize — its handlers. The frilled giant Pacific octopus. Yes, it may seem like an odd way to mate but for the Giant Pacific Octopus, it works. Today I want to write about a really cool octopus, the giant Pacific octopus. D&D Beyond [25] The giant Pacific octopus has not been assessed by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, although other octopus species are listed. Its spatial distribution includes the coastal North Pacific, along California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Alaska, Russia, Japan, and Korean Peninsula. The eggs and paralarvae support zooplankton filter feeders, such as baleen whales, some species of sharks, and many species of fish. D&D Beyond After mating, the female stops hunting. This is a very large and interesting critter that captures and eats sharks! The terrifyingly powerful Gorgon of Greek mythology has been thought to have been inspired by the octopus or squid, the octopus itself representing the severed head of Medusa, the beak as the protruding tongue and fangs, and its tentacle… One female at the Seattle Aquarium was observed to hold onto the spermatophore for seven months before laying fertilized eggs. The Tomamae Giant Pacific Octopus FIP aims to revitalize the region’s fisheries by improving the sustainability of fishing practices through the establishment of a science-based management plan for the octopus fishery, which is managed by the Kita-Rumoi Fisheries Cooperative. Image credit: David Scheel, doi: 10.4003/006.035.0206. Scientific Name: Enteroctopus dofleini. It prefers cool, oxygenated water, adjusting its depth from the surface down to 2000 m (6600 ft) as required. Ancient seafaring people were aware of the octopus, as evidenced by certain artworks and designs. Aspects of the Natural History of, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, Smithsonian National Zoological Park: Giant Pacific Octopus, "Sizing ocean giants: patterns of intraspecific size variation in marine mega fauna", Walla Walla University Marine Invertebrates Key: Giant Pacific Octopus, "B.C. This is because it's too hard to find and track the animals to assess its numbers. The giant Pacific octopus grows bigger and lives longer than any other octopus species. This octopus species is very rarely encountered and the few information scientists have managed to gather […] Some octopuses exhibit the ability to alter speeds of sodium and potassium ion movement across cell membranes, allowing them to live in very cold water. Calcifying organisms use calcium carbonate to produce shells, skeletons, and tests. [13] In May 2012, amateur photographer Ginger Morneau was widely reported to have photographed a wild giant Pacific octopus attacking and drowning a seagull, demonstrating that this species is not above eating any available source of food within its size range, even birds. Its spatial distribution includes the coastal North Pacific, along California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Alaska, Russia, Japan, and … [16] Some researchers even claim that they are capable of motor play[23] and having personalities.[24]. Types. [1] What effects these toxins have on octopuses are unknown, but other exposed animals have been known to show liver damage, changes in immune systems, and death. Weight: Octopuses average 60 pounds, but they can weigh up to 150 – with an arm span of up to 20 feet across! The alternative contender is the Seven-arm Octopus based on a 61 kg (134 lb) carcass estimated to have a live mass of 75 kg (165 lb). Another difference between the GPO and the other octopus is that the Giant Pacific octopus has … Their shells are just located inside their head as 2 small plates and the remainder of their body is soft and malleable. Because octopuses have hemocyanin as copper-based blood, a small change in pH can reduce oxygen-carrying capacity. The giant Pacific octopus is the biggest octopus species. The newly discovered creature was called a “frilled giant Pacific octopus,” though as noted by Quartz, there is no official scientific name for the species at the moment. the rounder v,The Pacific octopus was The member of this genus that best embodies the common name "giant octopus" is Enteroctopus dofleini, which holds the record of being the world's largest octopus based on direct measurements of a 71 kilograms (157 pounds) individual, weighed live. Characteristics. The giant Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini, formerly also Octopus apollyon), also known as the North Pacific giant octopus, is a large marine cephalopod belonging to the genus Enteroctopus.Its spatial distribution includes the coastal North Pacific, along California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Alaska, Russia, Japan, and Korean Peninsula. The largest octopus in the world, giant pacific octopus have been recorded with an arm span up to 24 ft and a total weight of 160 lb! “Presumably, people have been catching these octopuses for years and no one ever noticed,” Scheel said in a … There are many characteristics that make it unique. There are at least 3 other species of octopus found in Alaskan waters but the giant Pacific octopus is the most frequently encountered. It can lay between 120,000 and 400,000 eggs which are intensively cared for by the females. For an adult-age giant Pacific octopus, the average weight is 15 kg (33 lb) and the average arm span is 4.3 m (14 ft). The largest species, the giant Pacific octopus, measures an average of 18 feet long and has an arm span of 14 feet. The giant Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini, formerly also Octopus apollyon), also known as the North Pacific giant octopus, is a large marine cephalopod belonging to the genus Enteroctopus. Interesting Facts About the Pacific Octopus. Find your thing. The giant Pacific octopus appears to feed on any animal within its size range, including fish, crabs, clams, small sharks, other octopuses, and even seabirds. [18] Eggs are coated in chorion, and the female attaches the eggs to a hard surface. Pacific sleeper sharks are also confirmed predators of this species. Like other octopuses, the giant Pacific octopus has blue, copper-rich blood that helps it obtain oxygen in cold water. The giant Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini), also known as the North Pacific giant octopus, is the largest and longest-lived octopus in the world. They have been known to play with toys, interact with a handler, open jars, use tools, and solve puzzles. woman nets fame for photos of octopus eating seagull", "Diet of Pacific sleeper shark, a potential Steller sea lion predator, in the north-east Pacific Ocean", "Giant Pacific Octopus (Octopus dofleini)", "Octopuses (Enteroctopus dofleini) Recognize Individual Humans", "IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Usually, the octopus flees warm water and dead zones in favor of cooler, oxygenated water, but some populations may be trapped between low-oxygen zones. The Giant octopus is Enteroctopus, and one of its species is the largest octopus.There are four species: the North Pacific Giant Octopus (E. dofleini), the Southern Giant Octopus (Enteroctopus magnificus), E. megalocyathus, and E. zealandicus.. Overview. They have a hydrostatic skeleton which allows them to keep body parts rigid. The female stops eating during this care and her life ends soon after the eggs hatch. The Giant Pacific Octopus is very intelligent, with the ability to use tools, solve puzzles and even open child-proof bottles. Depending on water temperature, the eggs hatch in about six months. It … [31] Other studies concur that warming climate scenarios result in higher embryo and paralarvae mortalites.[32]. The availability of appropriate den sites in rocky subtidal habitat may limit octopus distribution and abundance. The ocean absorbs an estimated 30% of emitted anthropogenic CO2. Marine mammals, such as harbor seals, sea otters, and sperm whales depend upon the giant Pacific octopus as a source of food. He is now looking into whether individuals can alter their protein synthesis in response to changing temperatures, or if it is done over long-term adaptations. All About Grimpoteuthis, the Dumbo Octopus, Cephalopod Class: Species, Habitats, and Diets, Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College. Survival of egg masses is an important determinant of … Source: bioweb.uwlax.edu The Southern Red Octopus or Patagonian Giant Octopus is another member of the Enteroctopus genus, which is often called the giant octopus group. [16] The octopus brain has folded lobes (a distinct characteristic of complexity), visual and tactile memory centers. [1] Because they are cool-blooded, they are able to convert most of consumed energy into body mass, respiration, activity, and reproduction. It was initially referred to by Louis Joubin, the French naturalist in honor of whom the Atlantic Pygmy Octopus got its scientific name Octopus Joubini. Fandom Apps Take your favorite fandoms with you and never miss a beat. Females die soon after the eggs hatch. Enteroctopus dofleini is the specific scientific name of the organism this entire website is devoted to. It doesn't have a scientific name, and it hasn't been fully described yet, but the frilled giant Pacific octopus has been confirmed using genetics. The warmer the water, the faster octopus eggs develop and hatch. The Glass Octopus is one of the two species belonging to the genus Vitreledonella. Limiting factors. [20], Octopuses are ranked as the most intelligent invertebrates. It doesn't have a scientific name, and it hasn't been fully described yet, but the frilled giant Pacific octopus has been confirmed using genetics. Giant Pacific octopus is an intelligent animal with a well-developed brain. About 3.3 million tons of giant octopus are fished annually. This is the world’s largest species of octopus. Climate change is complex, with predicted biotic and abiotic changes to multiple processes including oxygen limitation, reproduction ocean acidification, toxins, effects on other trophic levels, and RNA editing. It usually lives at depths around lseters hey have also besSeven-arm octopus (Haliphron atlanticus).Adults usually weigh around 15 kg (33 lb), with an arm span of They mostly eat crabs, shrimp, abalone, fish, and shellfish like scallops, clams, and mussels. [4][5] However, a number of questionable size records would suggest E. dofleini is the largest of all octopus species by a considerable margin,[6] including a report of one up to 272 kg (600 lb) in weight with a 9-m (30-ft) arm span.