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. She’s estimated to be around one year old, and when she first arrived at the centre, her mantle was measured at 10 centimetres. Oceana joined forces with Sailors for the Sea, an ocean conservation organization dedicated to educating and engaging the world’s boating community. According to divers, a large one for this area is about 60 pounds. The largest known octopus species, the giant Pacific octopus, can reach sizes of more than 16 feet (5 meters) across. Octopuses, like their cousin, the squid, are often considered “monsters of the deep,” though some species, or types, occupy relatively shallow waters. Giant Pacific octopuses spend most of their lives alone. A great way to get involved in protecting #oceans: Join Oceana as a Wavemaker & sound off on important issues! Sailors for the Sea developed the KELP (Kids Environmental Lesson Plans) program to create the next generation of ocean stewards. Another key characteristic is the two large flattened papillae above the eye. Few sea creatures have stimulated as much fascination and dread among human beings as this cephalopod, due largely to the animal’s almost alien-like appearance. They are also incredibly smart, and can solve mazes and imitate other species of octopus. Please be respectful of copyright. Amazing Animals. Giant Pacific octopuses have huge, bulbous heads and are generally reddish-brown in color. We have already protected nearly 4 million square miles of ocean and innumerable sea life - but there is still more to be done. However, most reach an average weight of 60 kg with a dorsal mantle length of 50 to 60 cm. During this time, dedicated mothers won’t venture out for food, and shortly after the young hatch, the mother will die. Gas heat and stoves are warming the climate. The giant Pacific octopus is considered the largest octopus species in the world and inhabits the northern Pacific Ocean off the United States up to Alaska and around Japan. Humans have not domesticated giant Pacific octopuses in any way. Why do male gorillas beat their chests? https://www.americanoceans.org/species/giant-pacific-octopus The Giant Pacific Octopus is the largest octopus in the world. Photograph by Fred Bavendam, Minden Pictures/Nat Geo Image Collection, Photograph by Wayne Panepinto, National Geographic Your Shot, Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright © 2015-2021 National Geographic Partners, LLC. The octopuses are used for bait and for consumption by humans. Giant Pacific Octopus Our octopus exhibit is the stuff of legends. Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community. The giant Pacific octopus, like all species of octopus, have eight arms on top of which sit a bulbous ‘mantle’. This image depicts the relationship between all of kingdom Animalia's phyla. Two of the three hearts pump blood to the gills, while the third circulates blood to the rest of the body. The two rear-most arms function as "legs." Since they lack a protective outer shell, octopuses like the giant Pacific octopus, use their camouflage abilities to stay safe. The giant Pacific octopus, like all species of octopus, have eight arms on top of which sit a bulbous ‘mantle’. Octopus Monster, Ocean Octopus, Giant Octopus Art, Real Giant Octopus, Metal Octopus, Beautiful Octopus, Cool Octopus, Demon Octopus, Giant Octopus Painting, Oklahoma Octopus, Colorful Octopus, Octopus Monster Movie, Angry Octopus, Sea Octopus, Amazing Octopus, Sea Life Octopus, Funny Octopus, Octopus Character, Cthulhu Octopus, Creepy Octopus, Black Giant Octopus, Octopus Size, Giant Octopus … Their skin is winkled into parallel ridges or folds and they can have four large papillae in a diamond arrangement on dorsal mantle. The largest individual on record weighed an impressive 600 pounds and measured 30 feet across in length. Each of its eight arms can be covered with up to 280 adhesive suckers, which are used to sense, to taste, and to detect their next meal. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Giant Pacific octopuses only live an average four to five years in the wild, yet they are still considered one of the longest-living octopus species. The Giant Pacific Octopus. Weighing 600 pounds (around 272kg) and having a 30 foot (around 9 meters) arm span, the largest recorded giant pacific octopus was truly enormous. The giant Pacific octopus is the largest known octopus species. Get facts sent to your phone by texting OCTOLIFE to 512-375-3648Want official Octopus Fan Club shirts?! The largest known octopus species, the giant Pacific octopus, can reach sizes of more than 16 feet (5 meters) across. Found in the cold waters of the Pacific from the coast from Southern California to Alaska, and along the coastline of Japan, these animals live in a variety of depths ranging from shallow coastal waters to over 4,500 feet. On average, an adult is 4.5 meters (15 feet) from the tip of one arm to another. The giant pacific octopus has an orange to red-brown base color with fine irregular dark lines scattered over its dorsal surfaces. The adult giant Pacific octopus eats a wide assortment of seafood including crabs, clams and other mussels. Averages are more like 16 feet and 110 lbs. After mating, a female will lay up to 74,000 eggs or more in a deep den or cave and live there for seven months watching over them. Northern Pacific Ocean from Japan to Alaska and California. A full-grown giant Pacific octopus can reach 16 feet (4.8 metres) across the span of their tentacles. Their population numbers are unknown, and they do not currently appear on any lists of endangered or vulnerable animals. Chameleon-like, giant Pacific octopuses can change their appearance to mimic rocks and highly patterned coral. 2. Few sea creatures have stimulated as much fascination and dread among human beings as this cephalopod, due largely to the animal’s almost alien-like appearance. In the wild, their rocky dens can be recognized by the piles of discarded shells just outside the entrances. The Giant Pacific Octopus is one of the most elusive of all marine animals, reaching lengths of up to 16 feet and weighing in excess of 100 pounds. The Pacific octopus was recently re-classified. An octopus's garden. We are restoring the world’s wild fish populations to serve as a sustainable source of protein for people. Giant Pacific octopuses can change color to blend in wherever they go! During this time, it leads a solitary existence, breeding only one time. While exploring a wall during this particular dive, Dennis, Shaz and Wes noticed a Giant Pacific Octopus hiding among the rocks and plant life of the wall. How this more contagious virus variant became dominant in the U.S. Giant Pacific octopuses can grow to 29.5 feet (9 m) wide from the tip of one arm to the tip of another and 44 pounds (20 kg). The giant Pacific octopus is the largest known octopus species. Description. A full-grown giant Pacific octopus can reach 16 feet (4.8 metres) across the span of their tentacles. Giant Pacific octopuses can be found more than 330 feet (100 m) underwater. 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