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Giant Pacific octopus — printable fact sheet
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Giant Pacific octopus
Enteroctopus dofleini
The Giant Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini) is the largest species of octopus, often found in the temperate waters of the North Pacific Ocean, particularly along the coasts of Japan, the Aleutian Islands, and the Pacific Northwest. Individuals can reach impressive sizes, w…
Did you know?
- A female Giant Pacific octopus can lay up to 74,000 eggs in a single clutch, and she dedicates her final months to protecting them without eating, ultimately dying after they hatch.
- The Giant Pacific octopus has three hearts: two pump blood to the gills, while the third circulates it to the rest of the body. Their blood contains a copper-rich protein called hemocyanin, which is more efficient than hemoglobin at transporting oxygen in cold, low-oxygen environments. Despite their size, these octopuses can squeeze through openings as small as a lemon, thanks to their boneless bodies. A common misconception is that octopuses are solitary; however, recent studies suggest that they might exhibit more social behaviors than previously thought, particularly during mating and in areas with abundant resources.
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