# Giant Pacific Octopus (*Enteroctopus dofleini*)

> The giant Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini) is the largest octopus species, with arm spans to 9 m and 50 kg in North Pacific dens. It is listed Least Concern.

- **Category:** Invertebrate
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern
- **Range:** North Pacific from California to Alaska and Japan.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/giant-pacific-octopus/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Mollusca
- **Class:** Cephalopoda
- **Order:** Octopoda
- **Family:** Enteroctopodidae
- **Genus:** Enteroctopus

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Enteroctopus dofleini |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Habitat | Rocky reefs and dens |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years |
| Weight | 15–50 kg |
| Top speed | up to 40 km/h |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |

## Nine-metre arm span

Three hearts, blue copper-based blood, and colour-changing skin suit cold Pacific reefs. Dens under boulders hold middens of crab and clam shells.

## Crabs, clams, and fish

Powerful arms and a hard beak open shellfish and seize fish. Short lifespans end after a single breeding bout — females guard eggs without feeding.

## North Pacific rocky coasts

Alaska to California and Japan on rocky reefs and kelp forests. Intertidal to 200 m depths.

## Fishery and aquarium pressure

Least Concern range-wide. Small commercial and sport fisheries and aquarium collection affect local densities; most coast habitat remains extensive.

## Frequently asked questions

### How big is a giant Pacific octopus?

Record specimens exceed 9 m arm span and 50 kg, though most adults are smaller.

### How long do giant Pacific octopuses live?

About 3–5 years — they die after reproducing once.

### Do giant Pacific octopuses use tools?

They manipulate objects and open jars in captivity; wild octopuses stack rocks at den entrances.

### What colour is giant Pacific octopus blood?

Blue — copper-based hemocyanin carries oxygen in cold water.

### Where can you see giant Pacific octopuses?

Rocky North Pacific shores and major public aquariums from Seattle to Tokyo.

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/giant-pacific-octopus/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.