Giant Pacific Octopus Enteroctopus dofleini

Octopuses (yes, THAT is the correct plural of octopus) are cephalopods—a class name derived from the Greek word cephalopoda, meaning “head-feet.” These incredibly unique animals are characterized by their bilateral symmetry, a body shape that primarily includes a large head and set of arms or tentacles. Out of the 800 identified living species of cephalopods, 300 are octopuses! Octopuses are mollusks, related to squid, clams and snails. Like squid, they are cephalopods, meaning "head-foot," so named because the feet (arms) are attached to the head. The bulbous sack-like body, or mantle, is perched atop the head; the mouth and beak are on the underside, where the arms converge. Octopuses have a highly developed brain and acute vision. These masters of camouflage can quickly change the color and texture of their skin to match the background. By rapidly drawing water into the mantle and expelling it through the tube-like siphon, they can jet themselves backward, away from danger. Newly hatched octopuses are small enough to be part of the plankton (small, microscopic organisms), so their food is equally small—copepods and larval crabs and seastars. Adults feed on crabs, clams, snails, small fishes and even other octopuses. The octopus typically pounces on its target, enveloping it with its inter-arm webbing and using its beak to break open hard-shelled prey. This is the largest species of octopus in the world. While common lore suggests these giant invertebrates can reach more than 30 feet (9.1 m) across and weigh more than 600 pounds (272 kg), more reliable reports put the record-holder at 400 pounds (182 kg) with an arm span of 25 feet (7.6 m). The giant Pacific octopus is common to the intertidal zone to depths of nearly 2,500 feet (750 m). It ranges from southern California, northward along the coast of North America, across the Aleutian Islands and southward to Japan. This octopus is common throughout its range. However, larger specimens (over 100 pounds, or 45.4 kilograms) are seldom seen, suggesting changes in population health or age composition. Many young, larval octopuses are lost to predators. Only the largest fish (such as halibut and ling cod) and marine mammals are any threat to adults. Humans collect the giant Pacific octopus for food, for display in aquariums and for use as bait in other fisheries. The Giant Pacific Octopus has lots of powers packed into one creature! Jet propulsion, arm regeneration, instant color-change camouflage, and an ink defense are just a few of them! This up to 30 foot wide (9 meters), 600 pound (272 kilogram) creature is one powerhouse of a mollusk! Giant Pacific Octopus have a beak that is similar to a parrot's beak. They use their beak to drill through the shell of a clam, weakening the clam enough for the octopus to be able to pull it open with it's arms and gobble down the meat inside. It is a cold water creature, found further north than almost all other species of octopus. Giant Pacific Octopus have a few trick to escape their predators, like harbor seals, sperm whales, sharks, and otters. They hide out in caves and use their color-changing camouflage to blend into the rocky ocean bottom. Giant pacific octopuses are considered the most intelligent of all invertebrates (animals without a backbone). They like to live stylishly as well, some octopus species will collect crustacean shells and other objects to construct fortresses or "gardens" around their lairs.