How big is the Caribbean reef octopus?

Caribbean reef octopus (Octopus briareus) reaches 30–60 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Caribbean reef octopus?

Caribbean reef octopus is found between 1–30 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Caribbean reef octopus?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Caribbean reef octopus?

Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific.

Caribbean reef octopus (Octopus briareus)

Key facts

Scientific name: Octopus briareus
Common name: Caribbean reef octopus
Category: Molluscs
Family: Octopodidae
Genus: Octopus
Size: 30–60 cm
Depth: 1–30 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: reef, rocky
Behaviours: nocturnal, solitary, camouflage
Ocean zones: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific

Description

Octopus briareus reaches 60 cm arms extended, 12 cm mantle. Very long slender arms (about 3 times mantle length), greenish-blue to reddish color, changing at will. Nocturnal: spends the day tucked in a crevice, emerges after sunset to hunt crustaceans and mollusks. Highly intelligent like all octopuses. Short lifespan, about 1 year. Popular on Caribbean night dives.

Photo of Caribbean reef octopus

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Caribbean reef octopus?: Caribbean reef octopus (Octopus briareus) reaches 30–60 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Caribbean reef octopus?: Caribbean reef octopus is found between 1–30 m deep.
Is the Caribbean reef octopus dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Caribbean reef octopus?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Caribbean reef octopus?: Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific.

Other species in the genus Octopus

Other species in the family Octopodidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 341954)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2289580)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia