New Zealand Octopus

Macroctopus is a monospecific genus of cephalopod belonging to the family Octopodidae, the "typical octopuses". The only species in the genus is Macroctopus maorum, the Māori octopus or the New Zealand octopus (wheke in Māori). It is found in the waters around New Zealand and southern Australia. M. maorum is one of the largest octopus species living in the New Zealand and Australian waters. They feed mainly on crustaceans and fish. Although they have a short life span, the females lay thousands of eggs and are very protective of them. This taxon is regarded as a synonym of Pinnoctopus cordiformis by some authorities.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it venomous or poisonous?

We have no record of New Zealand 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

• Enteroctopus dofleini
• Octopus sinensis
• Octopus tetricus
• Octopus americanus
• Octopus djinda
• Eledone cirrhosa

Classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Mollusca

Class

Cephalopoda

Order

Octopoda

Family

Octopodidae

Genus

Macroctopus

Species

Macroctopus maorum

More species