Caribbean reef octopus
Octopus briareus
Robson, 1929

Description:
The coloring and texture of this octopus is highly variable. When disturbed, it can be white, but most commonly, the animal is patterned brown with a green background. No dark rings around the suckers on the arms but a dark ring may be present around the eyes. The texture can be smooth or with points. The arms in rest are 4 to 6 times the body length.
Size: 25 - 50 cm, including arms.

Habitat:
Inhabits the reefs, hiding in recesses. This octopus is active during the night. It can hide in the smallest recesses in coral heads.
Depth: ranges from 5 m down to 30 m.

Distribution:
Common all over the Caribbean.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Mollusca
Class Cephalopoda
Genus Octopus
Species Octopus briareus

Status in World Register of Marine Species

Accepted name: Octopus briareus Robson, 1929

Scientific synonyms and common names

Caribbean reef octopus [English]
Reef octopus [English]

Humann, P., 1992. Reef Creature Identification - Florida Caribbean Bahamas, (ed. N. Deloach). New World Publications, Inc., Paramount Miller Graphics, Inc., Jacksonville, Florida.

Voss, G.L., 1976. Seashore life of Florida and the Carribbean. Banyan Books, Inc. Miami, Florida.

You can continue searching for Octopus briareus on one of these Web sites:

Fauna Europaea (animals) | IOPI (plants) | NCBI (genetic)

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