An octopus tattoo can mean many things, depending on the chosen design. In general, they represent intelligence, mystery, and illusion. They are the subject of folklore and legends and are both respected and feared by those who sail the seas. Some species are aggressive and highly venomous, and your design can reflect that you are not to be messed with. The combinations that you include will also give your tattoo varying meanings. For example, an octopus and a skull are associated with the life cycle. At the same time, an octopus and anchor serve as a balance between unpredictability and stability.