#octopodes

[kpceramics]

For when you need to drink like a Minoan

All three will be available in the upcoming shop update

[yourfaveisintersex]

Microeledone galapagensis from Real Life is intersex!

Requested by @sorennahi

This newly-discovered blue octopus from the Galápagos Islands could curl up in the palm of your hand - Field Museum

[slack-wise]

John Singer Sargent, Two Octopi, 1885

[wikipediapictures]

Caribbean reef octopus

[plantibaut]

The cunty octopod from the splatoon 1 artbook

[randomanimaloftheday]

Day 264#: California Two-Spot Octopus

Today's animal of the day is the California Two-Spot Octopus (Octopus bimaculoides)!

Photo credit: Andy Cracchiolo

The California two-spot octopus is a species of cephalopod that lives in the coastal waters of the eastern Pacific, and can be found from central California in the United States all the way to Baja California in Mexico. They are named after the blue spots that they have under each of their eyes, and are also commonly called "bimacs". They are usually gray in color with yellow splotches, but like all octopuses, they are capable of changing the color of their skin to better blend in with their environment. And before we continue, I'll address the elephant in the room: both "octopi" and "octopuses" are acceptable ways to the plural form of "octopus". You can also say "octopodes" as a secret third option.

Photo credit: Siobhan O'Neill

These octopi prefer to live in rocky reefs with lots of nooks and crannies for them to hide in during the day, since they are nocturnal. Because (like all octopodes) they don't have any bones, they are capable of squeezing their bodies through extremely small openings, as long as they're big enough for their beaks, which are the only hard parts of their bodies, to fit. Based on information gathered from tagged specimens, it seems like these octopuses don't like to stay in the same den for long and will switch hiding spots every few days, likely to avoid being detected by predators. Despite being relatively tiny compared to larger species of octopodes, the California two-spot octopus is an intelligent hunter that stalks the reef at night and uses their camouflaging abilities to sneak up on prey. Their diet consists of basically anything they can catch, such as small fish, crustaceans, mollusks, etc. They'll also often eat other members of their own species when given the chance, and they can be quite territorial.

Photo credit: Phil Garner

Sadly, all octopi are notorious for their short lifespans, and the California two-spot is no exception. They usually live between one and one and a half years in the wild, but can often make it to two years in captivity. Once they reach the end of their lifespans, their bodies will slowly start to deteriorate as they age. Towards the end of their lives, females will find a safe place to lay their eggs, which can number anywhere from 20 to 100. Mother octopi use all their remaining strength protecting their eggs from predators, keeping them clean, and blowing water onto them using their siphons so they can receive oxygen. Eggs can take anywhere from 150 to 210 days to hatch, and during this time, the females refuse to eat or even leave their dens at all, which causes their health to deteriorate rapidly and ultimately ends up killing them. Once the fry hatch from their eggs, they must quickly disperse from one another to avoid being cannibalized by their larger siblings. They grow rapidly and will feed on tiny amphipods and shrimp until they are eventually large enough to take on larger prey.

Photo credit: Phil Garner

A fun fact that I thought was interesting, but didn't really know where to fit in, is that in 2015, the California two-spot octopus became the first species of octopus to have its genome fully sequenced.

[gummi-stims]

🐙💜Octopus jelly soaps from gilaas__ on tiktok!💜🐙

[c-0f-chaos]

Redesign of Octosen / Cecaelia Elsen!!

I really loveee how it turned out! This time I gave it more though like they deserve

I love the freckles