World Octopus Day is celebrated annually on the 8 October to highlight the intelligence, diversity, and conservation needs of octopuses and other cephalopods. The date was chosen because October is named for the Latin word ‘octo’ meaning eight, and it’s also the eighth day of the month.
The day aims to raise awareness of threats including pollution, habitat loss and octopus farming. It also promotes the conservation of these fascinating marine animals.
I think these amazing animals should be celebrated everyday along with other Cephalopods: Squids, Cuttlefish and Nautilus. The largest Cephapods are the Giaint and Colossal Squid that are over 10m in length, this makes them the largest invertebrates. The smallest cephalopod is the squid Idiosepius, at only 1cm.
Learn about 10 different species of Octopus with Ocean Scuba Dive
Did you know?
Octopus have blue blood! Their blood is blue because it contains a copper-rich protein called hemocyanin.
Octopus are considered the most intelligent invertebrates and are known for their problem-solving skills, ability to navigate mazes and use of tools.
The Colossal Squid also has the largest eye in the animal kingdom that is about the size of a soccer ball.
If an octopus loses an arm, it can regrow a new one to replace it.
Octopuses are exclusively saltwater animals and are found in oceans worldwide. They most common in warmer waters.
My Sister the Octopus Whisperer spotted 4 Octopus hiding in the sand on a 2022 SCUBA dive in Sydney. The dive was at Chowder Bay in Sydney Harbour and the species are the Common Sydney Octopus, Octopus tetricus that can grow up to 80cms in size.
