Species profile
Atlantic Longarm Octopus
Macrotritopus defilippi
Identify Atlantic Longarm Octopus (Macrotritopus defilippi) from a photo — free, unlimited, no sign-up — with the CatchRules iPhone app.
At a glance
Atlantic Longarm Octopus (Macrotritopus defilippi) is an IUCN Least Concern octopus/squid present across the CatchRules coverage area but without species-specific bag, size, or season rules tracked in our regulatory dataset.
Confirmed by 92 research-grade iNaturalist observations across the species' range.
Notable details
- Documented mimicking the shape and swimming motion of a flatfish for camouflage.
- Has unusually long arms relative to its body compared to other octopus species.
- Lives in sandy and muddy seafloor habitats in the western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.
- Often rests motionless on open sandy flats, relying on camouflage rather than retreat.
Where Atlantic Longarm Octopus are seen
Background
Macrotritopus defilippi, commonly known as the Lilliput longarm octopus or the Atlantic longarm octopus, is a small species of octopus, a marine cephalopod mollusc of the order Octopoda.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Atlantic Longarm Octopus article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other octopus/squid on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Atlantic Longarm Octopus?
Atlantic Longarm Octopus (Macrotritopus defilippi) is an IUCN Least Concern octopus/squid present across the CatchRules coverage area but without species-specific bag, size, or season rules tracked in our regulatory dataset.
What is the scientific name for Atlantic Longarm Octopus?
Atlantic Longarm Octopus is Macrotritopus defilippi.
Are there fishing rules for Atlantic Longarm Octopus?
Atlantic Longarm Octopus does not currently have published fishing rules in CatchRules' curated jurisdictions. Identification, range, and habitat are still tracked above.
How can I identify Atlantic Longarm Octopus?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes Atlantic Longarm Octopus along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.