Octopus briareus
Caribbean Reef Octopus
Maximum Size:
3.3 ft (1 m) with arms spread, 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg)
Longevity:
Less than 2 years.
Typical depth:
13–82 ft (4–25 m)
Behavior:
Caribbean reef octopuses like to hide in reef caves and crevices during the day. They are masters of camouflage and incredibly hard to spot, since they can change their color, texture and shape. They are most active at night, hunting for crustaceans, clams, snails and small fish.
Predators:
Grouper, snapper, nurse sharks and moray eels.
Did you know?
Caribbean reef octopuses, like many octopus species, are cannibalistic. They often kill and eat other octopuses, especially intruders into their territory and unwelcome potential mating partners.
