The Caribbean reef octopus (Octopus briareus) is a coral reef marine animal. It has eight long arms that vary in length and diameter. In comparison to the arms, the mantle is large and bulky (up to 60 cm long). This species is difficult to describe because it changes color and texture to blend into its surroundings, using specialised skin cells known as chromatophores. Its color range is very large; it can change from crimson to green, and bumpy to smooth. It weighs around 3.3 lb or 1.5 kg.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Caribbean Reef Octopus being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Octopus insularis
- Pinnoctopus aspilosomatis
- Octopus cyanea
- Octopus americanus
- Octopus vulgaris
- Pinnoctopus ornatus
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Mollusca
- Class
- Cephalopoda
- Order
- Octopoda
- Family
- Octopodidae
- Genus
- Octopus
- Species
- Octopus briareus
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