giant Pacific octopus

The giant Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini) is the largest species of octopus, a type of mollusk belonging to the order Octopoda. This marine animal can reach lengths of up to 5.4 meters (18 feet) with an arm span of nearly 9 meters (30 feet).1

Octopuses have a distinct body shape with eight arms, each lined with powerful suckers. At the center of these arms is a mouth containing sharp, horny beaks and a radula for processing food. They move by crawling on their arms or by expelling water through a siphon for quick backward propulsion. When threatened, octopuses can release an inky substance to create a screen for escape.1

These intelligent invertebrates are carnivorous, primarily feeding on crustaceans and fish. The giant Pacific octopus, like other octopuses, plays a role in the marine food web, being prey for various marine animals.12