Cephalopods | Cephalopoda

Cephalopods | Cephalopoda

Description
Description

Cephalopods, or inkfish, are the most intelligent, largest, and mobile of all mollusks. Cephalopods are characterized by their body symmetry, prominent head, and set of at least eight arms or tentacles. Cephalopods earned the nickname inkfish because of their common ability to be able to squirt ink. There are two existing groups of Cephalopods: Coleoidea and Nautiloidea; Coleoidea has internalized their molluscan shell while Nautiloidea still has an external shell. Cephalopods live only in marine environments and are predatory creatures. Cephalopods are capable of changing color and they usually change color in complex patterns as part of courtship behavior.

Common Questions
Common Questions
How do cephalopods move?

The main way cephalopods move is through a form of jet propulsion. They do so by drawing water into their mantle cavity and over their gills. Once the cephalopod wants to move it contracts the muscles of the mantle cavity, and water is squeezed out with enough power to propel itself in the desired direction.

What do cephalopods eat?

Cephalopods are predators and are not picky carnivores. Cephalopods typically eat crustaceans, fish, bivalves, jellyfish, and even other cephalopods. They tend to hunt at the surface of water at night without the threat of predators seeing them. Once the sun rises, they go down to deeper and darker water.

How do cephalopods mate?

Mating for cephalopods is an event that only happens once in their life, as they both die shortly after mating. When females are ready to mate, they will display a certain color. The male will mate with her by placing his sperm in the female’s pallial cavity, with a tentacle called the hectocotylus. The female cephalopod then lays the fertilized eggs.

* Under Development *

9.8”-15” | 25-38 cm
.35-3.1 lb | .16-1.4 kg
.5-1 year
Bigfin Reef Squid
38.000
1.400
1.00
1600
GUIDE
3D
Bigfin Reef Squid
13’-26.25’ | 4-8 m
.35-3.1 lb | .16-1.4 kg
Bigfin Squid
800.000
1.400
55450
GUIDE
3D
Bigfin Squid
18”-23” | 46-58 cm (Arm)
4.4-8.8 lb | 2-4 kg
1-2 years
California Two-Spot Octopus
58.000
4.000
2.00
1500
GUIDE
3D
California Two-Spot Octopus
19.7”-23.6” | 50-60 cm (Arm)
2.2-3.3 lb | 1-1.5 kg
10-12 months
Caribbean Reef Octopus
60.000
1.500
1.00
1060
GUIDE
3D
Caribbean Reef Octopus
4.7”-7.9” | 12-20 cm
1-3 years
Caribbean Reef Squid
20.000
3.00
1590
GUIDE
3D
Caribbean Reef Squid
6.3”-8.3” | 16-21 cm
.88-1.3 lb | .4-.6 kg
15-20 years
Chambered Nautilus
21.000
0.600
20.00
15400
GUIDE
3D
Chambered Nautilus
9.8’-13.1’ | 3-4 m
2-3 years
Cockatoo Squid
400.000
3.00
730
GUIDE
3D
Cockatoo Squid
2.75”-3.5” | 7-9 cm (Arm)
.5-1.5 lb | .23-.69 kg
3-5 years
Coconut Octopus
9.000
0.690
5.00
4450
GUIDE
3D
Coconut Octopus
30’-49’ | 9-15 m
330-1091 lb | 150-495 kg
Colossal Squid
1500.000
495.000
137100
GUIDE
3D
Colossal Squid
6’-6.6’ | 1.83-2 m
~2.2 lb | 1 kg
3-5 years
Common Blanket Octopus
200.000
1.000
5.00
630
GUIDE
3D
Common Blanket Octopus
6”-10” | 15-25 cm
4.4-8.8 lb | 2-4 kg
1-2 years
Common Cuttlefish
25.000
4.000
2.00
9100
GUIDE
3D
Common Cuttlefish
29.9”-39.4” | 76-100 cm (Arm)
6.6-22 lb | 3-10 kg
1-2 years
Common Octopus
100.000
10.000
2.00
22300
GUIDE
3D
Common Octopus
39”-51” | 99-130 cm
44-66 lb | 20-30 kg
1 year
Diamond Squid
130.000
30.000
1.00
750
GUIDE
3D
Diamond Squid
7.9”-11.8” | 20-30 cm
2-13 lb | .9-5.9 kg
3-5 years
Dumbo Octopus
30.000
5.900
5.00
94040
GUIDE
3D
Dumbo Octopus
11.8”-19.7” | 30-50 cm (Arm)
.22-.88 lb | .1-.4 kg
1-2 years
East Pacific Red Octopus
50.000
0.400
2.00
660
GUIDE
3D
East Pacific Red Octopus
3.9”-5.1” | 10-13 cm
.66-.88 lb | .3-.4 kg
1.5-2 years
Flamboyant Cuttlefish
13.000
0.400
2.00
5800
GUIDE
3D
Flamboyant Cuttlefish
7’-13’ | 2.13-3.96 m (Arm)
22-110 lb | 10-50 kg
3-5 years
Giant Pacific Octopus
396.000
50.000
5.00
35000
GUIDE
3D
Giant Pacific Octopus
3’-5’6” | .91-1.68 m
33’-46’ | 10-14 m
440-2,000 lb | 200-907 kg
2-5 years
Giant Squid
168.000
1400.000
907.000
5.00
88000
GUIDE
3D
Giant Squid
15.75”-17.7” | 40-45 cm
.06-.07 lb | .025-.03 kg
Glass Octopus
45.000
0.030
14800
GUIDE
3D
Glass Octopus
11.8”-17.7” | 30-45 cm
.06-.07 lb | .025-.03 kg
1 year
Greater Argonaut
45.000
0.030
1.00
1320
GUIDE
3D
Greater Argonaut
4.7”-5.9” | 12-15 cm
.02-.22 lb | .01-.1 kg
2-3 years
Greater Blue-Ringed Octopus
15.000
0.100
3.00
650
GUIDE
3D
Greater Blue-Ringed Octopus
4.9’-8.2’ | 1.5-2.5 m
99-110 lb | 45-50 kg
1-2 years
Humboldt Squid
250.000
50.000
2.00
28600
GUIDE
3D
Humboldt Squid
11.8”-19.7” | 30-50 cm
.22-1.1 lb | .1-.5 kg
1 year
Japanese Flying Squid
50.000
0.500
1.00
1600
GUIDE
3D
Japanese Flying Squid
4.7”-5.9” | 12-15 cm
1 year
Japanese Squid
15.000
1.00
2100
GUIDE
3D
Japanese Squid
23.6”-27.6” | 60-70 cm
5-20 lb | 2.3-9.1 kg
.75-2 years
Mimic Octopus
70.000
9.100
2.00
16350
GUIDE
3D
Mimic Octopus
9.5’-11.5’ | 2.9-3.5 m
135-165 lb | 61-75 kg
2-10 years
Seven-Arm Octopus
350.000
75.000
10.00
1300
GUIDE
3D
Seven-Arm Octopus
.8”-1” | 2-2.5 cm
~.002 lb | .001 kg
.5-1.5 years
Star-Sucker Pygmy Octopus
2.500
0.001
1.50
1120
GUIDE
3D
Star-Sucker Pygmy Octopus
13”-39.4” | 33-100 cm
Strawberry Squid
100.000
17890
GUIDE
3D
Strawberry Squid
4.3”-10.6” | 11-27 cm
Telescope Octopus
27.000
2440
GUIDE
3D
Telescope Octopus
6”-12” | 15-30 cm
~1 lb | .45 kg
6-10 years
Vampire Squid
30.000
0.450
10.00
79600
GUIDE
3D
Vampire Squid
East Pacific Red Octopus (Octopus rubescens)
Scale illustration of an average East Pacific Red Octopus compared to other cephalopod species

The East Pacific Red Octopus (Octopus rubescens) is a ruby-red octopus that is identifiable by the 3 flaps under each eye. It is rare to see it in its red coloring as much of the time it is camouflaged. The East Pacific Red Octopus was not acknowledged until 1953 as it was mistaken for the Pacific Octopus. The East Pacific Red Octopus is native to the North American West Coast from the southern Gulf of California to the Gulf of Alaska. They are active hunters and prey on gastropods, bivalves, crabs, mollusks, scallops, and barnacles. They are currently listed as least concern to extinction.

The East Pacific Red Octopus has an arm length between 11.8”-19.7” (30-50 cm), mantle length of 2”-3.94” (5-10 cm), and weight of .22-.88 lb (.1-.4 kg). The typical lifespan of the East Pacific Red Octopus is between 1-2 years.

Series of elevation illustrations of the East Pacific Red Octopus
The East Pacific Red Octopus (Octopus rubescens) is a ruby-red octopus that is identifiable by the 3 flaps under each eye. It is rare to see it in its red coloring as much of the time it is camouflaged. The East Pacific Red Octopus was not acknowledged until 1953 as it was mistaken.

The East Pacific Red Octopus has an arm length between 11.8”-19.7” (30-50 cm), mantle length of 2”-3.94” (5-10 cm), and weight of .22-.88 lb (.1-.4 kg). The typical lifespan of the East Pacific Red Octopus is between 1-2 years.

Series of elevation illustrations of the East Pacific Red Octopus
East Pacific Red Octopus (Octopus rubescens)
Height:
Width:
Length:
11.8”-19.7” | 30-50 cm (Arm)
Depth:
Weight:
.22-.88 lb | .1-.4 kg
Area:

Mantle Length: 2”-3.94” | 5-10 cm

Scientific Name
Octopus rubescens
Lifespan
1-2 years

Drawings include:

East Pacific Red Octopus side elevation, front

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Dumbo Octopus (Grimpoteuthis bathynectes)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Dumbo Octopus compared to other cephalopods

The Dumbo Octopus (Grimpoteuthis) is a cephalopod that was named after its resemblance to Disney’s Dumbo character. There are about 13 species of Dumbo Octopuses. The Dumbo Octopus has two ear-like fins that extend from each eye and a bell-shaped body with a pale coloring. Dumbo Octopuses live all over the world at extreme depths of up to 13,000 ft (3,962 m) below the surface, and hover over the seafloor. Their diet consists of snails, worms, crustaceans, and copepods. Dumbo Octopuses do not ink like other as they don’t need defense in their environment. They are currently not in danger of extinction.

The Dumbo Octopus has an overall length between 7.9”-11.8” (20-30 cm), mantle length of 3.94”-4.7” (10-12 cm), and weight of 2-13 lb (.9-5.9 kg). The typical lifespan of the Dumbo Octopus is between 3-5 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Dumbo Octopus
The Dumbo Octopus (Grimpoteuthis) is a cephalopod that was named after its resemblance to Disney’s Dumbo character. There are about 13 species of Dumbo Octopuses. The Dumbo Octopus has two ear-like fins that extend from each eye and a bell-shaped body with a pale coloring.

The Dumbo Octopus has an overall length between 7.9”-11.8” (20-30 cm), mantle length of 3.94”-4.7” (10-12 cm), and weight of 2-13 lb (.9-5.9 kg). The typical lifespan of the Dumbo Octopus is between 3-5 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Dumbo Octopus
Dumbo Octopus (Grimpoteuthis bathynectes)
Height:
Width:
Length:
7.9”-11.8” | 20-30 cm
Depth:
Weight:
2-13 lb | .9-5.9 kg
Area:

Mantle Length: 3.94”-4.7” | 10-12 cm

Scientific Name
Grimpoteuthis bathynectes
Lifespan
3-5 years

Drawings include:

Dumbo Octopus side elevation, front

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Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Common Octopus to other cephalopods

The Common Octopus (Octopus Vulgaris) is one of the most studied octopus species and is considered to be the most intelligent of all invertebrates. It has a large head, eight arms, and can swiftly camouflage itself to match the colors and textures of its environment. When threatened the Common Octopus releases a cloud of ink to hide from the predator and quickly swim away. They are found worldwide, from the eastern Atlantic to Senegal in Africa. The diet of the Common Octopus is made up of crabs, crayfish, and mollusks. They are currently listed as least concern to extinction.

The Common Octopus has an arm length between 29.9”-39.4” (76-100 cm), mantle length of 5.9”-9.8” (15-25 cm), and weight of 6.6-22 lb (3-10 kg). The typical lifespan of the Common Octopus is between 1-2 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Common Octopus in various poses
The Common Octopus (Octopus Vulgaris) is one of the most studied octopus species and is considered to be the most intelligent of all invertebrates. It has a large head, eight arms, and can swiftly camouflage itself to match the colors and textures of its environment.

The Common Octopus has an arm length between 29.9”-39.4” (76-100 cm), mantle length of 5.9”-9.8” (15-25 cm), and weight of 6.6-22 lb (3-10 kg). The typical lifespan of the Common Octopus is between 1-2 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Common Octopus in various poses
Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris)
Height:
Width:
Length:
29.9”-39.4” | 76-100 cm (Arm)
Depth:
Weight:
6.6-22 lb | 3-10 kg
Area:

Mantle Length: 5.9”-9.8” | 15-25 cm

Scientific Name
Octopus vulgaris
Lifespan
1-2 years

Drawings include:

Common Octopus side elevation, front

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Mimic Octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Mimic Octopus compared to other cephalopods

The Mimic Octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus) is a small cephalopod with small horns that extend from each eye. Naturally it has a light brown color, but once it feels threatened it mimics the appearance of other poisonous creatures to scare off any potential predators. It is able to contort itself into various shapes as it does not have a rigid skeleton. The ability to impersonate various aquatic animals is what gave it its name. The Mimic Octopus is native to the Indo-Pacific Ocean and lives in shallow waters. Mimic Octopuses are carnivorous and their diet is made up of mostly small fish, crabs, worms and crustaceans.

The Mimic Octopus has an overall length between 23.6”-27.6” (60-70 cm), mantle length of 2”-2.4” (5-6 cm), and weight of 5-20 lb (2.3-9.1 kg). The typical lifespan of the Mimic Octopus is between 9 months and 2 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Mimic Octopus
The Mimic Octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus) is a small cephalopod with small horns that extend from each eye. Naturally it has a light brown color, but once it feels threatened it mimics the appearance of other poisonous creatures to scare off any potential predators.

The Mimic Octopus has an overall length between 23.6”-27.6” (60-70 cm), mantle length of 2”-2.4” (5-6 cm), and weight of 5-20 lb (2.3-9.1 kg). The typical lifespan of the Mimic Octopus is between 9 months and 2 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Mimic Octopus
Mimic Octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus)
Height:
Width:
Length:
23.6”-27.6” | 60-70 cm
Depth:
Weight:
5-20 lb | 2.3-9.1 kg
Area:

Mantle Length: 2”-2.4” | 5-6 cm

Scientific Name
Thaumoctopus mimicus
Lifespan
.75-2 years

Drawings include:

Mimic Octopus side elevation, front

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Seven-Arm Octopus (Haliphron atlanticus)
Scale illustration of an average Seven-Arm Octopus compared to other cephalopod species

The Seven-Arm Octopus (Haliphron atlanticus) is one of the largest octopus species, following the Giant Pacific Octopus and appears to have only 7 arms. In reality, it is the male that has 1 arm in a coiled sac beneath the right eye and this arm is often overlooked. The Seven-Arm Octopus is typically found in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and tends to stay at a water depth of 3,000 ft (914.4 m). Seven-Arm Octopuses are not picky and will generally eat anything in addition to crustaceans, fish, and bivalves. They are currently listed as least concern to extinction.

The Seven-Arm Octopus has an overall length between 9.5’-11.5’ (2.9-3.5 m), mantle length of 15.75”-27.6” (40-70 cm), and weight of 135-165 lb (61-75 kg). The typical lifespan of the Seven-Arm Octopus is between 2-10 years.

Series of elevation illustrations of the Seven-Arm Octopus
The Seven-Arm Octopus (Haliphron atlanticus) is one of the largest octopus species, following the Giant Pacific Octopus and appears to have only 7 arms. In reality, it is the male that has 1 arm in a coiled sac beneath the right eye and this arm is often overlooked.

The Seven-Arm Octopus has an overall length between 9.5’-11.5’ (2.9-3.5 m), mantle length of 15.75”-27.6” (40-70 cm), and weight of 135-165 lb (61-75 kg). The typical lifespan of the Seven-Arm Octopus is between 2-10 years.

Series of elevation illustrations of the Seven-Arm Octopus
Seven-Arm Octopus (Haliphron atlanticus)
Height:
Width:
Length:
9.5’-11.5’ | 2.9-3.5 m
Depth:
Weight:
135-165 lb | 61-75 kg
Area:

Mantle Length: 15.75”-27.6” | 40-70 cm

Scientific Name
Haliphron atlanticus
Lifespan
2-10 years

Drawings include:

Seven-Arm Octopus side elevation, front

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