Giant Pacific Octopus

Enteroctopus dofleini

The octopus is an elusive creature with an alien brain. Like humans, these intelligent animals can open jars, recognize faces, and use tools. Yet, only 35% of octopus neurons are located in their brain while 65% can be found in the tentacles. With such powerful, though strangely organized, cognitive systems octopuses have attracted the attention of numerous scientists and aquarists worldwide. The giant Pacific octopus is no exception. Each year, on Valentine’s day, the Seattle Aquarium draws crowds to view giant Pacific octopus mating–an event that can last over an hour. In British Columbia, this species is common enough that divers frequently report sightings.

Characteristics

The giant Pacific octopus is the largest of roughly 300 known species of octopus, often weighing over 23 kg (50 lbs) with arm spans up to 6 meters (20 feet). The largest recorded weight for this species was over 90 kg (200 lbs). Typically, giant Pacific octopuses are dark red in color with mottled skin, but these animals can quickly change colour or texture to blend in with surroundings…

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