The giant gelatinous octopus grows up to 4 meters, and the giant South Pacific octopus can reach up to 3 meters in length.Īs stated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species, most octopus species are not considered endangered. Octopus in New ZealandĪround 42 octopus species are living in New Zealand waters. The Kiwi waters is also home to two of the world’s largest types of octopus. The high hemocyanin content on their blood gives it a blue colour. Octopus are literally blue-blooded marine animals. Octopus possess three hearts.Ī single heart is used to pump blood through the organs, and another two hearts are required to pump blood through the gills. Making octopus a legendary marine life escape artists. In 2016 Inky, a common male octopus showed the world how sneaky and talented octopuses are when Inky escaped New Zealand's National Aquarium through a small opening. Having no bones in their body makes Octopus flexible enough to fit into small spaces. Octopuses have short life-spanĪfter an adult male and female octopus mate, the male dies then followed by the female soon after the eggs hatch. Te Wheke signifies the link between the mind, the spirit, the different aspects of life interwoven together for one’s well being. Octopus has interesting biological features that you may not know of. They usually take refuge at subtidal rocky reefs and seaweed beds where they hunt easy targets like crabs and crayfish.Īccording to Maori legend, the octopus or Te Wheke is a picture of family health. In New Zealand, Octopus predators are known to be Sea Lions, Bullers Albatross, Whales and other marine life which find Octopus to be their favourite meal. This cool characteristic is thought to be their defense mechanism against predators. Octopuses can camouflage and change colour depending on their background.

They are one of the most astonishing sea creatures in the eyes of children. Octopuses are known for their distinct physical features, they have eight arms and one bulbous head.

Octopus natural predators