East Pacific Red Octopus

The East Pacific red octopus is a small, common octopus found across much of the North American west coast. Rarely more than a handful, it can weigh up to 400 g and reach 45 cm across, arms included.

Also known as: pacific red octopus, red octopus, ruby octopus

In the northern part of its range it can be mistaken for a young giant Pacific octopus. Look just below the eyes: this species has three small, eyelash-like flaps of skin there that the giant Pacific octopus lacks.

Like other octopuses, it can change both its colour and the texture of its skin at will, so its look varies a great deal. It can appear deep brick red, brown, white, or a mottled mix of these colours depending on its mood and surroundings.

It is an active hunter that eats a wide range of prey, including snails, clams, crabs, and barnacles. When attacking a clam or scallop, it often drills a small hole through the shell near the muscle holding it shut, then delivers venom through the hole to force it open. Some populations may also hunt during the day rather than only at night, and have even been seen keeping calm company with a kelp greenling, a type of fish, while foraging.

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  Atlantic White-spotted Octopus

  Pinnoctopus macropus

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  Big blue octopus

  Octopus cyanea

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  Brazilian Reef Octopus

  Octopus insularis

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  Caribbean Reef Octopus

  Octopus briareus

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  Coconut octopus

  Amphioctopus marginatus

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  Common octopus

  Octopus vulgaris