Giant octopus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Giant octopuses |
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| A North Pacific Giant Octopus at a depth of 65 metres | |
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Octopodidae
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Octopodinae
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Enteroctopus
Rochebrune & Mabille, 1889
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| Were Giant Octopi live, E. dofleini in blue, E. megalocyathus in red, E. magnificus in yellow, and E. zealandicus in purple. | |
The Giant octopus is Enteroctopus, and one of its species is the largest octopus. There are four species: the North Pacific Giant Octopus (E. dofleini), the Southern Giant Octopus (Enteroctopus magnificus), E. megalocyathus, and E. zealandicus.
Overview
The only member of this genus that deserves the common name "Giant octopus" is Enteroctopus dofleini. This holds the record of being the world's largest octopus: direct measurements were made of a live 71 kg (156.5 lb) individual. This octopus had a total length near to 4 m (13 ft).
The remaining members of the genus are much smaller. E. megalocyathus has an average weight of 4 kg and a total length of 1 m. E. magnificus has a total length of around 1.5 m.
Images for kids
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Range map of Enteroctopus species. E. dofleini in blue, E. megalocyathus in red, E. magnificus in yellow, and E. zealandicus in purple.
