Giant Pacific Octopus
Enteroctopus dofleini

Range and habitat:
The Giant Pacific octopus is common to the intertidal zone to depths of nearly 2,500 feet (750 m). They range from southern California, northward along the coast of North America, across the Aleutian Islands and southward to Japan.

Natural diet:
Adults feed on crabs, clams, snails, small fishes and even other octopuses.

Size / weight range:
This is the largest species of octopus in the world. While there have been reports of these giant invertebrates reaching more than 30 feet across and weighing more than 400 pounds, more reliable reports put the record holder at 157 pounds with an arm span of 23 feet. Adults are typically 16 feet from tip to tip and weigh between 50 and 90 pounds.

Interesting Facts:
Octopuses are mollusks, related to squid, clams, and snails. Like squid, they are cephalopods, meaning ‘head-foot’, so named because the feet (arms) are attached to the head. The bulbous sack-like body, or mantle, is perched atop the head; the mouth and beak are on the underside, where the arms converge. Octopuses have a highly developed brain and acute vision. These masters of camouflage can quickly change the color and texture of their skin to match the background. By rapidly drawing water into the mantle and expelling it through the tube-like siphon, they can jet themselves backward, away from danger.

Location at The Toledo Zoo:
Aquarium

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