Species · GBIF taxon 6521584
Maori Octopus
Macroctopus maorumAlso known as New Zealand Octopus, Māori Octopus
Māori octopuses are formidable, highly intelligent predators that dominate the rocky reefs and kelp forests of New Zealand and southern Australia. They use their immense, muscular arms to pry open stubborn shellfish and can rapidly shift both their skin color and texture to blend seamlessly into the seafloor. During the breeding season, females retreat into deep rocky dens to guard their massive clutches of eggs, refusing to eat until the young hatch.
MarineIntelligentCamouflage
- diet
- Carnivorous (crustaceans, mollusks, and fish)
- family
- Octopodidae
- threats
- Habitat degradation, climate change, and localized overfishing
- life Span
- 2 to 3 years
NE
Can deliver a painful bite with a sharp beak and toxic saliva; do not handle.
Possesses a sharp chitinous beak and salivary glands that inject a mild paralyzing venom to subdue prey, which can cause pain and swelling in humans.
Observe these intelligent creatures from a respectful distance while diving or tide-pooling, and never attempt to touch or pull them from their dens.- Look for Middens: Search near rocky crevices for piles of discarded crab and bivalve shells, which indicate an active octopus den nearby.
- Watch the Color: Observe their skin patterns from a distance to see them mimic surrounding kelp and rock textures in real time.
- Keep Your Distance: Avoid blocking the entrance to a den, as this can cause unnecessary stress to a nesting female.