Warming seawater temperatures promote phytoplankton growth, and annual dead zones have been found to be increasing in size. [citation needed], Octopuses have been found to migrate for a variety of reasons. Each of its 8 arms may measure over 6 feet! [16] Some researchers even claim that they are capable of motor play[25] and having personalities. Mind you, the average size of documented specimens of this species is 17 feet in length with a … We have already protected nearly 4 million square miles of ocean and innumerable sea life - but there is still more to be done. While she fulfills her duty of parental care the female stays close to her spawn and does not leave to go hunting for food, causing her death soon after the young have hatched. Hidden among the rocks and reefs on the ocean floor lies a hunter – stealthy and smart. are negatively impacted by ocean acidification, and may decrease in abundance. They hunt at night for shrimp, clams, lobsters and fish, but have also been known to eat small sharks using their beak-like mouths to puncture prey. [34], The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, industrialization, and other land-use changes cause increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. Octopuses are actually mollusks—their shells are located in the head as two small plates and the rest of their body is soft. [16], Dr. Roland Anderson, an octopus specialist, found high concentrations of heavy metals and PCBs in tissues and digestive glands. underwater reef octopus (octapus cyanea) camouflaged on coral reef - giant pacific octopus stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. This is a state of hypoxia. Using tag and recapture methods, scientists found they move from den to den in response to decreased food availability, change in water quality, increase in predation, or increased density (or decreased available habitat/den space)[30] Because their blue blood is copper-based (hemocyanin) and not an efficient oxygen carrier, octopuses favor and move toward cooler oxygen-rich water. Most individuals are usually a deep red or pinkish color. Its mantle alone is at least 600 mm (2 ft). [1] If sea water temperatures continue to rise, these organisms may be forced to move to deeper, cooler water. Range & Habitat. That is larger than some adults and heavier than many children! Let’s just get it out there right off the bat—this species holds the record for the largest … Average Length: 9.5 ft. Average Lifespan: … 4. The name Octopus came from the Greek okto (eight) and pous (foot). Aside from being the largest of all octopuses, the giant Pacific octopus is also recognizable by its typical reddish-pink color. The average weight of the giant Pacific octopus is 50kg (110 pounds). The largest individual on record weighed an impressive 600 pounds and measured 30 feet across in length. Sailors for the Sea developed the KELP (Kids Environmental Lesson Plans) program to create the next generation of ocean stewards. Giant Pacific octopuses are usually reddish in color but are able to change color and texture when threatened or for camouflage. Their growth rate is incredibly high. [2], E. dofleini is distinguished from other species by its large size. [3] The larger individuals have been measured at 50 kg (110 lb) and have a radial span of 6 m (20 ft)[1] American zoologist G.H. [15] In addition, the octopus (along with cuttlefish and squid) are major sources of protein for human consumption. [4][5] However, a number of questionable size records would suggest E. dofleini is the largest of all octopus species by a considerable margin,[6] including a report of one up to 272 kg (600 lb) in weight with a 9-m (30-ft) arm span. Adults usually weigh around 15 kg (33 lb), with an arm span up to 4.3 m (14 ft). 3. [17], The giant Pacific octopus is considered to be long-lived compared to other species, with lifespans typically 3–5 years in the wild. This measures 5 metres in length and weighs up to 50kg (the weight of 10 – 12 house cats). The giant Pacific octopus, also known as the North Pacific octopus, is a large marine cephalopod. Like many octopuses, the giant Pacific octopus has the ability to drastically change the color and texture of its skin. During this time, dedicated mothers won’t venture out for food, and shortly after the young hatch, the mother will die. This stage on an average lasts for 30-90 days. The Giant Pacific Octopus is the largest species of octopus. [1][8] A UN catalog of octopuses sizes E. dofleini at 180 kg (396 lb) with an arm length of 3 m (9.8 ft). 2. Population Status. This dependency limits octopus habitat, typically in temperate waters 8–12 °C (46–54 °F). [10][11] Food is procured with its suckers and then bitten using its tough beak of chitin. Its average length is 5 meters (15 feet). Most octopuses are invertebrates. Now on to the Facts! [1] What effects these toxins have on octopuses are unknown, but other exposed animals have been known to show liver damage, changes in immune systems, and death. The warmer the water, the faster octopus eggs develop and hatch. Oceana joined forces with Sailors for the Sea, an ocean conservation organization dedicated to educating and engaging the world’s boating community. In fact, the only hard part of them is a sharp, parrot-like beak, which is found on their underside where their arms join. A giant Pacific octopus will live a solitary life until the very end, at which point it will seek out a mate, reproduce and die shortly thereafter. [23] Giant Pacific Octopuses are commonly kept on display at aquariums due to their size and interesting physiology, and have demonstrated the ability to recognize humans that they frequently come in contact with. If changes are possible by the individual, octopuses may be able to adapt quickly to changing climate scenarios. [16] DNA techniques have assisted in genetic and phylogenetic analysis of the species' evolutionary past. It grows to its largest size when living in the North Pacific’s colder waters and … Giant Pacific octopus ... Based on this, the length of the animal was subsequently estimated at 14 meters (46 ft) on the shore. The ink is toxic and can be deadly to octopuses if confined to a small space with little current flow. After DNA analysis, the giant Pacific octopus may actually be three subspecies (one in Japan, another in Alaska, and a third in Puget Sound). [16] To avoid these dead zones, octopuses must move to shallower waters which may be warmer in temperature and less oxygen-rich, trapping the organism between two low-oxygen zones. Octopuses typically die shortly following breeding. [7] Guinness World Records lists the biggest as 136 kg (300 lb) with an arm span of 9.8 m (32 ft). woman nets fame for photos of octopus eating seagull", "Diet of Pacific sleeper shark, a potential Steller sea lion predator, in the north-east Pacific Ocean", "Giant Pacific Octopus (Octopus dofleini)", "Octopuses (Enteroctopus dofleini) Recognize Individual Humans", "IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Giant Pacific octopuses can grow to 29.5 feet (9 m) wide from the tip of one arm to the tip of another and 44 pounds (20 kg). Of chitin once fully grown and generally wreak havoc in labs and aquaria:! 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