When it comes to the ocean’s mysteries, octopuses stand out. They are some of the most fascinating creatures living in the depths. In the same depths, one can find some of the biggest octopuses; the true giants.
In this article we will dive into the lives of wonderous multi-armed cephalopods; the world’s largest octopus species. These large octopuses vary in size, color, habitat, and behavior, each with unique traits that make them interesting. Let’s check out the list of 10 largest octopuses – beginning with the Giant Pacific Octopus: the largest octopus ever recorded.
1. Giant Pacific Octopus – Biggest Among The Biggest Octopuses
The Giant Pacific Octopus is the undoubtedly largest octopus in the world. This octopus can weigh over 600 pounds and has an arm span of more than 30 feet. Found in the cold waters of the North Pacific, it’s indeed a true giant. The Giant Pacific Octopus is not only strong and intelligent, it also holds the record as the biggest octopus ever. Despite its massive size, it blends into its environment and hunts like an expert.
Maximum Weight: Over 600 lbs (272 kg) (Extremely rare)
Average Weight: 110-150 lbs (50-68 kg)
Maximum Arm Span: Exceeds 30 feet (9 meters)
Average Arm Span: 14-20 feet (4.3-6 meters)
Habitat: The Giant Pacific Octopus, lives in the cold waters of the North Pacific. From Alaska to Japan, it thrives in depths of up to 2,000 feet. Additionally, this octopus prefers living in rocky cracks and underwater forests made of seaweed.
Diet: This world’s largest octopus feasts on crabs, clams, fish, and even smaller octopuses. With a beak capable of cracking shells, it’s without a doubt a formidable predator.
Lifespan: The largest octopus in history lives for about 3-5 years and focuses on growth and reproduction.
Color: Typically reddish-brown, the Giant Pacific Octopus can change color to blend with its environment. This ability also helps it avoid predators.
Behavior: The Giant Pacific Octopus is solitary and active at night spending most of the day hiding in dens. They are known for their intelligence, are capable of solving puzzles and escaping enclosures.
Fun Fact: The Giant Pacific Octopus holds the title of the biggest octopus in history. One of the largest octopus ever found weighed 600 pounds with a 30-foot arm span. Its main predators include sharks and orcas however its ability to camouflage makes it a tough target.
2. Seven-Arm Octopus – One More Among The Biggest Octopuses
Seven-Arm Octopus (Haliphron atlanticus)
Second in our list is the The Seven-Arm Octopus. This deep-sea giant often surprises people. While it looks like this octopus has only seven arms however it actually has eight as one of its arms stays tucked away.
It can sometimes weigh up to 130 pounds and have an arm span reaching 11 feet. Living in the deep ocean, it’s less known than its Pacific cousin, however it’s still one of the biggest octopuses ever found.
Maximum Weight: 130 lbs (59 kg)
Average Weight: 90-130 lbs (41-59 kg)
Maximum Arm Span: 11 feet (3.4 meters)
Average Arm Span: 8-11 feet (2.4-3.4 meters)
Habitat: The Seven-Arm Octopus, a contender for the largest octopus ever found, lives in deep waters and can be found around the world. The octopus prefers depths of 500 to 2,000 feet. In addition, it’s often seen far from shore and in open oceans.
Diet: It feeds on a diet rich in jellyfish, fish, and crustaceans (crabs, lobsters etc.). This octopus uses its arms to capture and keep of hold of its prey while it eats.
Lifespan: It lives around 4-5 years, although exact details are less known due to its secretive nature.
Color: The Seven-Arm Octopus usually has a reddish or brownish hue. Moreover, it can change color to blend in with the ocean floor.
Behavior: Despite its name, this Seven-Arm Octopus has eight arms. Its seventh arm is hidden in a sack near its eye. Being a solitary creature, it uses its size to fend off predators.
Fun Fact: The Seven-Arm Octopus has the distinction of being one of the largest octopuses known to science. Despite its size, it remains difficult to find thus much of its life in the deep sea is still a mystery.
3. Southern Giant Octopus
Southern Giant Octopus (Enteroctopus magnificus)
The Southern Giant Octopus is a less-known member of the biggest octopus group. Its found in the cold waters in southern half of earth. With an arm span reaching up to 12 feet and a weight of around 22 pounds, it’s without a doubt a powerful predator. This large octopus has a lonely lifestyle. It thus spends most of its life hidden among rocks and seabeds.
Maximum Weight: 22 lbs (10 kg)
Average Weight: 18-22 lbs (8-10 kg)
Maximum Arm Span: 12 feet (3.7 meters)
Average Arm Span: 10-12 feet (3-3.7 meters)
Habitat: The Southern Giant Octopus lives in the cold waters of the Southern Hemisphere. It’s commonly found off the coast of South America, particularly in Argentina and Chile. The octopus prefers rocky seabeds and deep ocean as its habitat.
Diet: Diet of Southern Giant Octopus consists mainly of fish, crabs, and mollusks. Like other large octopuses, it also uses its powerful beak to crush the shells of its prey.
Lifespan: This octopus lives for about 3-4 years. It spends most of its life growing and preparing to reproduce.
Color: The Southern Giant Octopus has a reddish-brown color, similar to other octopus species. More so, it can change its color to match its surroundings.
Behavior: This octopus is solitary and prefers to remain hidden during the day. It comes out to hunt at night. Though being less studied than the Giant Pacific Octopus, it shares many similar behaviors, including problem-solving abilities.
Fun Fact: If an arm is lost to a predator or injury, the Southern Giant Octopus can regrow it over time, a survival feature common to many octopus species.
4. Day Octopus / Big Blue Octopus
The Day Octopus, also known as the Big Blue Octopus, is one of the most active of the large octopuses. It’s found in warm, shallow waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. This octopus hunts during the day, unlike many other octopus species.
With a weight of up to 22 pounds and an arm span of 10 feet, the Day Octopus is a powerful and impressive predator.
Maximum Weight: 22 lbs (10 kg)
Average Weight: 15-22 lbs (7-10 kg)
Maximum Arm Span: 10 feet (3 meters)
Average Arm Span: 8-10 feet (2.4-3 meters)
Habitat: The Day Octopus, also known as the Big Blue Octopus, is found in the warm waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Furthermore, it prefers coral reefs and shallow waters where it can hunt during the day.
Diet: This large octopus feeds on crabs, fish, and shrimp. Unlike many other octopuses, it’s active during the day, hence its name.
Lifespan: The Day Octopus lives for about 1-2 years, which is shorter than other large octopuses. It spends most of its life hunting and reproducing.
Color: Known for its vibrant blue rings, the Day Octopus can quickly change its color and texture. This helps it match the coral and rocks of its habitat.
Behavior: Unlike its nocturnal cousins, the Day Octopus is active during the day and hunts when the sun shines. The Big Blue Octopus is also known for its agility as its able to sprint through coral reefs with ease.
Fun Fact: The Day Octopus is unique among the world’s largest octopus species for its daytime activity. It’s also a master of disguise being able to mimic the appearance of rocks and coral to ambush prey.
5. Dumbo Among The Biggest Octopuses
The Dumbo Octopus is one of the most unique among the biggest octopus in the world. Named for its ear-like fins, this deep-sea dweller thrives in extreme depths. It’s undoubtedly smaller than other giants and weighs up to 13 pounds with a 6-foot arm span. Despite its size, it’s still a remarkable creature. The octopus is rarely seen and is known for its mysterious life far below the ocean’s surface.
Maximum Weight: 13 lbs (6 kg)
Average Weight: 8-13 lbs (3.6-6 kg)
Maximum Arm Span: 6 feet (1.8 meters)
Average Arm Span: 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Habitat: The Dumbo Octopus, named for its ear-like fins, lives in the deep ocean. You can find it in oceans worldwide in depths of more than feet. This octopus lives everywhere, from the North Atlantic to the South Pacific.
Diet: It feeds on small fish, worms, and crustaceans. Moreover, it swallows its prey whole, a method unknown to other octopuses.
Lifespan: Little is known about lifespan of Dumbo Octopus, however it’s believed that it lives for 3-5 years.
Color: The Dumbo Octopus has a translucent, pale white or pinkish color. It thus helps it blend into its deep-sea environment.
Behavior: Like many others, the Dumbo Octopus also prefers solitary life and spends most of its life floating above the ocean floor. It moves by flapping its “ears,” which unquestionably gives it a unique, graceful motion.
Fun Fact: The Dumbo Octopus is one of the smallest and most unique members of the biggest octopus in the world group. Unlike most octopuses, which are active hunters, the Dumbo octopus hovers above the seafloor and pounces on prey like small fish, worms, and crustaceans. They also swallow their food whole.
6. Common Octopus
The Common Octopus is one of the most widespread octopus species; although it’s not the biggest octopus in the world. It’s found in tropical and temperate waters and is known for its intelligence along with adaptability. The Common Octopus can weigh up to 12 pounds with a 3-foot arm span, thus it’s a smaller but fascinating creature. Its ability to solve problems and escape enclosures makes it a favorite for those studying marine life.
Maximum Weight: 12 lbs (5.4 kg)
Average Weight: 3-12 lbs (1.4-5.4 kg)
Maximum Arm Span: 3 feet (0.9 meters)
Average Arm Span: 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Habitat: The Common Octopus is widespread, thriving in the tropical and temperate waters worldwide. It’s found in coastal areas, particularly close to coral reefs and rocky seabeds.
Diet: This octopus has a varied diet which includes crabs, fish, and bivalves (clams, oysters etc.). The Common Octopus is an opportunistic feeder and relies on its intelligence to exploit a wide range of food sources.
Lifespan: It lives for about 1-2 years, focusing on rapid growth and reproduction during its lifetime.
Color: The Common Octopus is highly adaptable and can change its color to match its surroundings. It typically can be seen in shades of brown, gray, or green.
Behavior: This octopus is highly intelligent and it known for its problem-solving abilities along with complex behaviors. It’s also solitary preferring to hide in small, narrow cracks or under rocks during the day, while coming out at night to hunt.
Interesting Facts: The Common Octopus is a master of escape. It is able to squeeze through tiny gaps and even use tools. It’s also one of the most studied octopus species due to its widespread distribution and interesting behaviors.
7. Caribbean Reef Octopus
The Caribbean Reef Octopus is a vibrant, smaller member of the world’s largest octopus family. Known for its bright blue-green color, it’s found in the warm waters of the Caribbean. It weighs up to 4 pounds with a 3-foot arm span and is a master of nighttime hunting. This octopus uses its camouflage to blend into coral reefs, thus making it a skilled yet elusive predator.
Maximum Weight: 4 lbs (1.8 kg)
Average Weight: 3-4 lbs (1.4-1.8 kg)
Maximum Arm Span: 3 feet (0.9 meters)
Average Arm Span: 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Habitat: The Caribbean Reef Octopus lives in Caribbean Sea’s warm waters. Moreover it prefers shallow reefs and seagrass beds, where it can find plenty of food and places to hide.
Diet: This octopus feeds mainly on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Like several other octopus species, the Caribbean Reef Octopus is also a night hunter and uses its excellent camouflage to ambush prey.
Lifespan: This octopus has a short lifespan of about 1-1.5 years. In its lifetime, it focuses on rapid growth and reproduction.
Color: This octopus is known for its vibrant blue-green color. It can also change the same to match the coral and rocks of its habitat.
Behavior: The Caribbean Reef Octopus is solitary and nocturnal with impressive camouflage abilities. It also is expert in quick movements.
Interesting Facts: Despite being a small member of the biggest octopuses group, this octopus is a skilled hunter. The added ability to blend into its surroundings makes it a formidable predator in its coral homes.
In the deep seas, there exists not only the biggest octopuses but even those sea creatures that we can see through. Learn more about them in our list of 15 Transparent Fish And Sea Creatures.
8. East Pacific Red Octopus
The East Pacific Red Octopus is a smaller, feisty member of the biggest octopus group. You’ll find this octopus along the Pacific coast of North America. Its reddish color and quick movements makes identifying it easy. It can weigh up to 2 pounds with a 1.5-foot arm span. While it’s not the biggest octopus ever found, it’s still a fascinating creature. Moreover, intelligence and adaptability of East Pacific Red Octopus makes it a common sight in aquariums.
Maximum Weight: 2 lbs (0.9 kg)
Average Weight: 1-2 lbs (0.45-0.9 kg)
Maximum Arm Span: 1.5 feet (0.45 meters)
Average Arm Span: 1-1.5 feet (0.3-0.45 meters)
Habitat: The East Pacific Red Octopus lives along the Pacific coast of North America. It prefers hiding in shallow waters, such as under rocks and in small and narrow cracks.
Diet: This octopus feeds on a variety of small invertebrates. Its diet includes crabs, shrimp, and snails. Furthermore, it’s an opportunistic feeder, using its beak to break open shells.
Lifespan: This small member of biggest octopuses group lives for about 1-2 years. The life is spent focusing on rapid growth and reproduction.
Color: As its name suggests, the East Pacific Red Octopus is often a reddish color. Though like many others, it too can change its hue to blend in with its environment.
Behavior: This octopus is solitary and primarily nocturnal. Furthermore, its known for its intelligence and ability to learn from its surroundings.
Interesting Facts: The East Pacific Red Octopus, while being one of the smaller members of the biggest octopuses group; is known for its feisty nature. It’s a common species in aquarium displays due to its vibrant colors and interesting behavior.
9. Mimic Octopus
Mimic Octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus)
The Mimic Octopus is a master of disguise among the biggest octopuses. It’s found in Southeast Asia’s shallow waters and is famous for its ability to mimic other sea creatures. Although being smaller and weighing less than a pound with a 2-foot arm span, it’s still one of the most intriguing. The Mimic Octopus uses its mimicry to evade predators and sneak up on prey. It all makes it a unique and clever survivor.
Maximum Weight: Less than 1 lb (less than 0.5 kg)
Average Weight: 0.5 lbs (0.23 kg)
Maximum Arm Span: 2 feet (0.6 meters)
Average Arm Span: 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Habitat: The Mimic Octopus is found in the shallow and muddy areas where rivers meets sea in Southeast Asia. It’s also a master of disguise, capable of mimicking the appearance and movements of other sea creatures.
Diet: This octopus feeds on small fish, crabs, and even worms. It uses its mimicry to confuse predators and then sneak up on prey.
Lifespan: The Mimic Octopus lives for about 1-2 years similar to many other octopus species.
Color: This octopus can change its color and match its surroundings. It also changes its appearance to imitate other animals, such as lionfish, flatfish, and sea snakes.
Behavior: Being a solitary octopus, it spends much of its time hiding in the sand or mud. Furthermore, its ability to mimic other animals is unique among octopuses and it helps in both for defense and hunting.
Interesting Facts: The Mimic Octopus is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating species among the biggest octopuses in the world group. Moreover, its mimicry is so convincing that it can fool both predators and prey. Thus this ability makes it one of the most unique and adaptable octopus species.
10. Algae Octopus – Smallest Among The Biggest Octopuses
Algae Octopus (Abdopus aculeatus)
The Algae Octopus, while being the smallest in the biggest octopuses group, is still a clever and quick species. Found in the warm and shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific the octopus loves to hide among algae and seagrass. Weighing just a few ounces and having a 1-foot arm span, it might not the biggest octopus in the world however its camouflage skills make it a predator to fear. Moreover, the added quick movements make it an effective hunter in its environment.
Maximum Weight: 1-2 oz (28-56 g)
Average Weight: 1.5 oz (42 g)
Maximum Arm Span: 1 foot (0.3 meters)
Average Arm Span: 0.8-1 foot (0.24-0.3 meters)
Habitat: The Algae Octopus, one of the smallest in the group of biggest octopuses. It lives in shallow and warm waters of the Indo-Pacific. It’s often found in seagrass beds or coral rubble.
Diet: This octopus feeds on small invertebrates which includes crabs and shrimp. It hunts during the day and uses its camouflage to attack prey.
Lifespan: The Algae Octopus has a short lifespan which is about 1 year.
Color: It blends in perfectly with algae and seagrass, often looking greenish or brownish thanks to its camouflage abilities.
Behavior: This octopus is solitary and spends much of its time hidden among algae and seagrass. More so, it’s a fast swimmer and capable of quick bursts of speed when threatened.
Interesting Facts: The Algae Octopus is one of the smallest species within the biggest octopuses ever recorded group. Despite the small size, it’s still a highly effective predator which uses its camouflage to avoid detection and reach its prey.
Conclusion: The Biggest Octopuses of the Ocean
These octopuses, from the Giant Pacific Octopus to the tiny Algae Octopus, represent the diversity and adaptability of these amazing creatures. The biggest octopuses, like the Giant Pacific Octopus and Seven-Arm Octopus exhibit the extremes of octopus size and strength. Moreover, smaller species like the Algae Octopus show the delicate balance that helps them survive in various ocean environments.
Each species has unique features and behaviors. It all thus makes them some of the most intriguing inhabitants of the ocean’s depths. Whether they are the biggest octopuses ever recorded or the most skillful in mimicry, these remarkable creatures continue to captivate and inspire curiosity.
