Overview

The common octopus is a master of disguise and problem-solving: it can change colour and texture in milliseconds, squeeze through gaps the size of its eye, and open jars to reach food in laboratory tests. Blue copper-based blood pumps through three hearts as it prowls rocky reefs and tide pools.

Octopuses are solitary and short-lived — most species live only one to two years, dying after breeding. They are also delicious to predators and people alike, making every day a chess match of camouflage, jet propulsion, and ink clouds.

Habitat

Rocky coastlines, reefs, and tide pools in temperate and tropical seas worldwide hold common octopuses. They den in crevices by day and hunt crabs, molluscs, and fish by night across the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Indo-Pacific.

Countries found

Interesting facts

01
Octopuses have three hearts and blue blood.
02
They can change colour and texture to match their surroundings in seconds.
03
Two-thirds of an octopus's neurons are in its arms — they can taste by touch.

Conservation status

LC — Least Concern

Common octopuses are Least Concern but heavily fished in the Mediterranean and Atlantic. They remain abundant in many coastal areas and are popular in rock-pool exploration.