Seven Classifications of an Octopus

Common Atlantic Octopus

• The Common Atlantic octopus can change colors to blend in with its environment and protect itself. They can grow up to 10 feet tall measured with their arms that can grow to be up to four times larger than their body. The Common Atlantic octopus is most commonly found on the coasts of Florida, Mexico, and the West Indies.

Giant Pacific Octopus

• The Giant Pacific octopus can grow to be up to 16 feet tall and weigh up to 600 pounds, making it the largest classification of octopus known to man. The Giant Pacific is normally found on the Pacific coast of the United States and the shores of Japan. It can adapt its color to its environment.

Blue-Ringed Octopus

• The Blue-ringed octopus is very poisonous and has been known to kill humans. The octopus shows blue-rings all around its body when it becomes scared or feels threatened. The octopus dispels a toxin that paralyzes every muscle of its victim. The Blue-ringed octopus has a short life expectancy of two to three years because the male dies after reproducing with the female.

Atlantic Long-Arm Octopus

• The Atlantic Long-arm octopus measures around six centimeters but has very long arms that measure up to 30 cm. They can adapt their color to their environment but often have small white spots covering their body. The Atlantic Long-arm octopus lives close to the sea floor and can be found in the coral reefs of Australia and the Florida Keys. They release dark ink that confuses any potential predators.

Reef Octopus

• The Reef octopus is commonly found in the Caribbean and Bahamian waters. They can be easily be seen because of their blue-green color. Their body grows up to 12 cm in length and their legs can grow up to 60 cm.

Day Octopus

• The Day octopus can not only change its color but can also change its skin texture according to its environment. It hunts during the day in the Indo-Pacific ocean, Red Sea, and Hawaiian Islands. They are very intelligent and have a sophisticated mating ritual that involves the male waving to its mate with an arm.

Two-Spotted Octopus

• The Two-spotted octopus can grow up to 76 cm in length when measured with its arms. The eyes have a black spot underneath each of them hence the name Two-spotted. The Two-spotted octopus can most commonly be found on the coast of and in the Gulf of California.