Giant Pacific Octopus

Octopus dofleini

This species is one of the largest known octopods; the heaviest on record weighed nearly 600 pounds. It is fished commercially from Alaska to northern California. The Giant Pacific Octopus feeds on shrimps, crabs, scallops, abalones, clams, various fishes, and smaller octopods. It in turn is eaten by seals, sea otters, sharks, and other large fishes.

Look For : Body globe-shaped; skin very wrinkled, reddish brown with fine black lines (color changeable). 8 arms, each with 2 alternating rows of white suckers. Head broad, with 2 eyes placed high.

Length : 10-16' (including arms).

Habitat : Rocky shores, tidepools, near shore to 1,600' deep.

Range : Alaska to southern California.