Appearance and lifestyle:
The common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) is a mollusc with eight limbs known as tentacles, which they use to grasp, move things around, and crawl.Each arm has its own set of nerves and can be controlled individually.
The octopus is typically grayish-brown, but it may alter its colour and texture to fit in with its surroundings, camouflaging itself. Using a system of colour-changing chromatophores and tiny muscles in its skin, this octopus can go from smooth white to bumpy black to red with horns and everything in between. It is amazing to see in action.
Octopuses have very short lifespans - the common octopus may only live to the age of two or three years, when its arms approach about a metre in length. They become sexually mature at this point, reaching nearly 6kg. They also only have one opportunity to mate before they die. Because of this, we only collect small, young octopuses for the Aquarium and release them again after a few months back into their natural habitat. This is why you might notice their sizes and personalities changing between visits - there's never a dull moment getting to know an octopus.
Habitat:
The common octopus lives at depths of up to 200m in crevices and holes and is fiercely territorial.
Diet:
Feeds on crabs, shellfish, and rock lobsters.
Threats:
SASSI status – Orange (think twice before purchasing). The common octopus is also exploited as bait.