How long do common octopuses live?

Their lifespan is short, typically only about one to one and a half years.

What does a common octopus eat?

It preys mainly on shellfish, prying shells open with its arms or drilling through them with its radula to inject venom, and has even been recorded eating other octopuses.

Does the common octopus keep its den clean?

Yes, it regularly clears leftover food and debris out of its den entrance.

Common Octopusマダコ

Octopus vulgarisLC— Least Concern

The common octopus is a short-lived but highly intelligent cephalopod found along East Asian coasts, known for cracking open shellfish with its beak, curling defensively when attacked by predators like moray eels, and even tidying debris out of its den.

Common Octopus (reference photo) — Photo: Beckmannjan / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification: Octopoda / Octopodidae Source
Distribution: Distributed along East Asian coasts from the East China Sea to the South China Sea; in Japan found mainly from Honshu (especially south of Sanriku) southward, in waters from the intertidal zone to about 40 m depth. Source

Did You Know?

When attacked by a moray eel, it curls its arms around its body to form a defensive ball. Source
It keeps its den tidy, carrying leftover food scraps and debris outside. Source

Where to See This Species

2 facilities · 0 individuals

Osaka Aquarium KaiyukanOsakaOpened in 1990

海遊館のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

Toba AquariumMieOpened in 1955

マダコのWikipedia記事に飼育施設として記載 Source

Conservation Story

Conservation Status

IUCNではLCです。沿岸環境を保つことが長期的な保全につながります。

Habitat

温帯から熱帯の沿岸にある岩場、砂地、海草藻場。

Threats

沿岸開発
海洋汚染
漁獲圧

Conservation & Breeding Efforts

沿岸生息地の保全
持続可能な漁業の推進

Sources

en.wikipedia.org

Support Conservation

A visit is a small, positive way to support the daily lives of the animals you care about.

Visit: A visit itself helps support the facility.
Animal Supporter Programs & Giving: Find ways to support the facility through its official website.
Furusato Nozei: Municipally run facilities may share official guidance for this Japanese hometown-tax program.

FAQ

How long do common octopuses live?: Their lifespan is short, typically only about one to one and a half years. Source
What does a common octopus eat?: It preys mainly on shellfish, prying shells open with its arms or drilling through them with its radula to inject venom, and has even been recorded eating other octopuses. Source
Does the common octopus keep its den clean?: Yes, it regularly clears leftover food and debris out of its den entrance. Source

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org