| Family: |
Octopodidae (octopuses), subfamily: Octopodinae |
| Max. size: |
22 cm ML (male/unsexed); max.weight: 6,000.0 g |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 150 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: from eastern Africa to Hawaiian Islands. |
| Diagnosis: |
|
| Biology: |
Shallow-water benthic species inhabiting coral reefs and found in a variety of substrata (Ref. 81543). Occupies lairs in coral bedrock, live and dead coral heads and excavations in sand and rubble (Ref. 96968). In naturally-occurring holes on rocks or dens (Ref. 81543). Males and females can occupy adjacent dens (Ref. 96968). Juveniles rapidly form homes and defend these against conspecifics (Ref. 105171). Opportunistic predator that predominantly uses tactile foraging methods (Ref. 81543). Reported to pounce and capture crabs. Another feeding strategy involves speculative hunting where an individual uses its interbrachial web to cover and explore with the tips of its arms the coral heads, rocks or clumps of algae (Ref. 105172). Feeds primarily on bivalves, gastropods and xanthid crabs. Employs crypsis in reaction to threat (Ref. 81543). Exhibits diurnal activity (Ref. 105171). Day-active species with higher activity peaks at dusk and dawn (Ref. 96968). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
(LC); Date assessed: 08 April 2014 Ref. 123251)
|
| Threat to humans: |
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| Country info: |
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