This week we have the Giant Pacific Octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini).
This is the largest recorded species of octopus with the heaviest live animal being 71kg (157lbs). The bigger individuals can have arm spans up to 6m (20ft) long. They inhabit cold waters of the pacific from Mexico, north to Alaska, and along the Asian east coast. Warming sea temperatures have put stress on octopuses, forcing them to retreat deeper in search of colder oxygen-rich water.
They prey on crustaceans, fish, and mollusks including other octopuses. Some have been reported to eat small sharks and even birds. They are preyed upon by marine mammals and sharks. Humans also largely depend on this species for food. Cephalopods in general have short lifespans- this species typically lives for 3-5 years in the wild. As a result these octopuses are extremely prolific and lay between 120,000 and 400,000 eggs. Like many other cephalopods, this species is adept at camouflage and highly intelligent.
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