Giant Pacific octopus

The giant Pacific octopus is a common resident off Oregon's coast. It is a predator that can chase prey by "running" or jetting after it and capturing it with its arms. Then the octopus uses its parrot-like beak, located at the center of its soft body, to deliver a venom that paralyses and liquefies the meat of animals. An octopus can spend several hours feeding on one crab and will usually remain dormant until finished.

It is known as the most intelligent invertebrate and without a doubt exhibits signs of both curiosity and memory. They have been observed climbing out of one tank to grab nearby food in another. An octopus can unscrew jars, uncork champagne bottles, and mimic the behavior of a neighboring octopus.

Octopuses live in rocky dens and will defend their territory until it is time to mate. Females lay 50,000 to 70,000 eggs and will care for them until they hatch. A lot of energy goes into reproduction; both adults will die shortly after the hatch.

The territorial nature of this animal makes it nearly impossible to keep more than one in a single tank.

Predators include man, lingcod, dogfish, seals and sea otters.

Linguistically speaking, the plural of octopus ought to be "octopodes," or the Anglicized "octopuses," since "octopi" tacks a Latin suffix onto the Greek root, "oktopous." However, most dictionaries accept either "octopuses" or "octopi," as do most of those who work with the animals.

Visitors enjoy watching our aquarists feed our resident octopus. When you arrive at the Visitor Center, ask the volunteer docent if a feeding is scheduled!

Pacific Octopus

Next: Strawberry anemone

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