Cephalopods, Crustaceans & Other Shellfish
Giant Pacific Octopus
Enteroctopus dofleini
Also known as
North Pacific giant octopus
Distribution
Northern Pacific Ocean from Japan to California and Alaska. Found off the coast of British Columbia.
Ecosystem/Habitat
Coastal intertidal areas to waters deeper than 100m
Feeding Habits
Predators
Conservation Status
Not listed
Taxonomy
Order Octopoda, Family Octopodidae
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Facebook Twitter Pinterest Google+Like other octopuses, the giant Pacific octopus is extremely intelligent and has been observed opening jars and are even known to recognize caregivers in captivity. This makes sense considering they have nine brains! They also have eight arms and three hearts. Two of the three hearts pump blood to the gills, while the third circulates blood to the rest of the body. Octopuses use one central brain to control their nervous systems and a small brain in each arm to control movement. They’re also known for having blue blood thanks to a copper-rich protein called hemocyanin in their bloodstream, which is used for oxygen transport.
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