Species · GBIF taxon 2289636
East Pacific Red Octopus
Octopus rubescensAlso known as Red Octopus, Ruby Octopus
East Pacific red octopuses are highly adaptable, intelligent predators that navigate rocky reefs, kelp forests, and sandy bottoms along the Pacific coast. They are masters of camouflage, instantly shifting their skin color from deep brick red to mottled brown or white, and altering their skin texture to mimic surrounding rocks or kelp. During the night, they emerge from their dens to hunt a wide variety of crabs, snails, and other small invertebrates.
NocturnalCamouflageMarine
- diet
- Carnivorous (crabs, hermit crabs, snails, bivalves, small fish, and marine worms)
- family
- Octopodidae
- threats
- Habitat degradation, pollution, ocean acidification, and coastal development
- life Span
- 1 to 2 years
NE
Possesses a sharp beak and mildly toxic saliva; do not handle to avoid a painful bite.
Delivers a venomous bite through its sharp beak, which can cause localized pain, swelling, and numbness.
Never attempt to pick up or corner this octopus; observe its movements from a respectful distance.- Look in tidepools: Search under ledges and inside crevices at low tide, especially during the night.
- Watch for middens: Locate their dens by looking for piles of discarded crab shells near rock crevices.
- Use red light: Observe nocturnal behavior using a red-filtered flashlight to avoid startling them.