Atlantic Pygmy Octopus
Size: 2-4 inches this is the smallest of all of the octopi species.
Coloring: Usually white with brown spots. However their coloring may change depending on what their surroundings are and what they need to blend with. Habitat: They are mostly found in the warm and clean waters of the Cayman Islands. Their small size makes them excellent at hiding and blending. You could be in a place where there and hundreds and you would never see any of them. They often hide in Small spaces and pull sand around the opening so that they are well hidden. Behavior: They like to stay secluded, they are not social with the other octopi unless they are trying to mate. However a lot of scientist and divers enjoy studying this species because they are intelligent and playful. Diet: They are carnivorous and have a natural venom that allows them to paralyze their pray in order to open their shells. They also have a chemical that will dissolve the shells of the clams and mollusks they like to eat. These little guys are very taste oriented and are very picky they seek out the foods that they like the best. Mating: March- June the females give off a scent to attract the males. During mating the males put a sac of sperm directly into the females body. After the males part is done he wanders off and dies. The females stays and finds a place to hide where she can continue to shelter the eggs under her arms, she will die after the eggs are hatched. The eggs hatch and the hatchlings are roughly 0.04g. Although very small they are ready for life within a few hours. After 128 days they are fully formed, and after 6 month they are ready to begin the mating process. |