©Lyle Vail: Octopus cyanea in shallow water
©Lyle Vail: The same Octopus cyanea individual as above, colour and texture changed
Colours
Distinguishing features
It is a large octopus that is active during the day. They are typically brown though colour and texture can be changed rapidly.
They commonly have false eye-spots (that manifest as dark ovals with no iridescent rings) at the base of their arms. Their visibility depends upon the camouflage colouration of the octopus at the time.
They also have dark brown coloring on the tips of their arms and with 2 rows of lighter spots along the arms.
Size
- Up to 16 cm (Mantle Length)
- Up to 80 cm (Total length including arms)
Synonyms
Distribution
Distribution and habitat preferences
It occurs in both the Pacific and Indian Oceans, from Hawaii to the eastern coast of Africa. (Wikipedia)
Local abundance
- Lizard Island, Queensland, Australia: Fairly abundant at Lizard Island but often cryptic
Behaviour
Being active during the daytime, they rely upon producing a wide variety of colors, patterns and skin textures to camouflage themselves against the background.
They dig out retreats in coral reefs and associated rubble. These are often identified by piles of bivalve shells and crab carapaces that have been tossed outside.
Diet
They eat various bivalves, fishes, crabs and other crustaceans.
