Species · GBIF taxon 2289620
Atlantic Pygmy Octopus
Octopus joubiniAlso known as Small-egg Caribbean Pygmy Octopus, Jubin's Octopus
Atlantic pygmy octopuses are masters of camouflage that make their homes inside discarded clam shells, empty soda cans, and hollow crevices along the sandy seafloor. These diminutive cephalopods use their exceptional intelligence to solve complex problems, such as opening bivalve shells or manipulating objects to block the entrance of their dens. During the day, they remain securely tucked away, emerging under the cover of darkness to hunt for small crustaceans.
NocturnalIntelligentCamouflage
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Hermit Crabs
- Small Clams
- Amphipods
Predators
- Moray Eels
- Groupers
- Large Crabs
ThreatsHabitat degradation, pollution, and collection for the aquarium trade
HabitatsShallow sandy bottoms, seagrass beds, and coral reefs
Life span6 to 12 months
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyOctopodidae
- SpeciesOctopus joubini
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Can deliver a sharp, venomous bite if handled; observe these intelligent creatures from a safe distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Possesses a sharp beak and mild venom used to paralyze prey, which can cause localized pain and swelling in humans.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognizable by its tiny size, brownish-orange coloration, and tendency to hide inside small shells or debris.
- What to do
- Never attempt to pick up or handle this octopus; admire its clever behaviors from a respectful distance.
Responsible observation
- Look for Shelters: Scan sandy shallows for discarded bivalve shells that appear to be held shut from the inside.
- Use Red Light: Observe them at night using a red-filtered flashlight to avoid startling them with bright white light.
- Respect Their Dens: Never force open a shell or container that an octopus has claimed as its home.
Image unavailablePacific Counterpart 
Close Relative Alessandro Dona - I created this work entirely by myself. / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative albert kok / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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