How big is the Algae octopus?

Algae octopus (Abdopus aculeatus) reaches 8–20 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Algae octopus?

Algae octopus is found between 0–15 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Algae octopus?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Algae octopus?

Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Algae octopus (Abdopus aculeatus)

Key facts

Scientific name: Abdopus aculeatus
Common name: Algae octopus
Category: Molluscs
Family: Octopodidae
Genus: Abdopus
Size: 8–20 cm
Depth: 0–15 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: sand, tidepool, seagrass
Behaviours: solitary, cryptic
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea

Description

Abdopus aculeatus reaches 20 cm. Small Indo-Pacific octopus with highly variable brown-green body with characteristic warty skin papillae (hence aculeatus), capable of deploying algae-, twig- or spine-shaped appendages for perfect mimicry. Remarkable behavior: documented bipedal walking (uses last two arms to crawl, other arms raised above like algae). Lives from 0 to 15 m on sand, seagrass and shallow tidepools. Macro photo subject for unusual behavior.

Photo of Algae octopus

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Algae octopus?: Algae octopus (Abdopus aculeatus) reaches 8–20 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Algae octopus?: Algae octopus is found between 0–15 m deep.
Is the Algae octopus dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Algae octopus?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Algae octopus?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Other species in the family Octopodidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 409949)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5856032)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia