Cephalopods

Giant Pacific octopus

Scientific name: Enteroctopus dofleini

Family: Enteroctopodidae

Phylum: Mollusca

Typical size: Their tentacle span can reach up to 10 meters wide but is usually 5 meters

Depth range: Intertidal to 1,500 meters

Description: They are the largest octopus in the world. They are commonly dark red-orange, but they are capable of  quickly changing their color and texture. 

Habitat and behavior: Lives on both sides of the Pacific ocean. They hunt at night looking for crabs. Chromatophores in their skin allow the GPO to change color. Although it is unlikely to find a GPO in the park now, they used to frequent the park and make their homes in boat wrecks.

red ruby octopus

Scientific name: Octopus rubescens

Family: Octopodidae

Phylum: Mollusca

Typical size: Arm span ranges about 30 - 50cm in adults

Depth range: 0 - 200 meters

Description: The smallest of Pacific northwest octopus species. When undisturbed, the red octopus has rough and bumpy skin with red-brown coloration. However, their skin can change texture and color to pink, yellow, or white based on mood, activity, or desire to camouflage. 

Habitat and behavior: Like many octopuses, the red octopus makes its home in dens. They can be found in kelp beds, sandy mud bottoms, rocky areas, and under stones at low tide in the rocky intertidal zone of the Pacific northwest. The Octopus can change its color and texture depending on the situation. For example, if the octopus wants to remain hidden, it can turn its color a white, grey, and black pattern to make it seem like a rock. When provoked, it can expel ink in defense to distract predators. The red ruby octopus hunts for crustaceans, fish, and mollusks at night, then returns to its den to feed.