What is unique about the Caribbean reef octopus?
The Caribbean reef octopus is an absolute master of disguise and one of the most intelligent known invertebrates. Individuals of this species can completely change their color from one moment to the next using specialized color cells called chromatophores.
How big does a Caribbean reef octopus get?
The Caribbean reef octopus can grow as big as 12 cm with arms as long as 60 cm (Boyle, 1983).
How many hearts does a Caribbean reef octopus have?
Octopuses have blue blood, three hearts and a doughnut-shaped brain. But these aren’t even the most unusual things about them!
What is the scientific name for the Caribbean reef octopus?
Octopus briareus
Caribbean reef octopus/Scientific names
Description & Behavior. Caribbean reef octopuses, Octopus briareus (Robson, 1929), aka reef octopus, are characterized by their distinctive blue-green colors with occasional mottled-brown markings.
Are Caribbean Reef octopus endangered?
The Caribbean reef octopus is not listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Animal Species, so it is safe to assume that their population is stable enough in their natural habitat. However, humans have been hunting these beautiful marine creatures for a long time, which has somewhat decreased their population.
Are Caribbean Reef Octopus endangered?
How big of a tank does an octopus need?
Common octopus can be as small as 12 inches long or as big as 24 to 36 inches. It will need a tank that is a minimum of 50 gallons. This species has been the one used most often by researchers. East Pacific red octopus, or ruby octopus, is on the small side and can live in a smaller aquarium.
Are Caribbean Reef octopuses endangered?
This species is not fished commercially, but artisanal fishers certainly take the Caribbean reef octopus, and it has been depleted in some areas. Population trends across its entire range are not currently known, but it is likely that continued local fishing could put the species at risk.
How much does a Caribbean octopus cost?
The larger they get, the more you are likely to pay. The average price for an octopus can range anywhere from $20 to as much as $1,000. Most purchases are going to fall in the $30 and $100 price range, however. The popular Atlantic pygmy octopus, for instance, retails for about $50 to $80.
The Caribbean reef octopus can grow as big as 12 cm with arms as long as 60 cm (Boyle, 1983). These creatures are usually rather bulky in size and blue-green in color, yet, as with all cephalopods, these creatures have a remarkable ability to camouflage themselves via color change.
What does the Caribbean reef octopus do at night?
The Caribbean reef octopus is a nocturnal species foraging at night amongst live coral and coral rubble. Its web is large, deep, and thin allowing it to envelope small coral heads within the ballooning web. This foraging behavior is known as the parachute attack.
How is the Caribbean reef octopus monogamous?
Caribbean reef octopuses are nocturnal, and the night protects them from predators and makes it easier to sneak up on prey. Octopuses are monogamous, meaning one female and male mate.
Where are Octopus briareus found in the world?
Caribbean reef octopuses, Octopus briareus, are predominately found in the Neotropical region of the world in warm waters. The range of this species stretches from southern Florida in North America, through the southeast coast of the Gulf of Mexico, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean, and continues south to the northern coast of South America.