Species profile
Atlantic Pygmy Octopus
Octopus joubini
At a glance
Atlantic Pygmy Octopus (Octopus joubini) 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 58 research-grade iNaturalist observations, concentrated in Florida.
Notable details
- One of the smallest octopus species in North America, with arm span rarely exceeding 15 cm.
- Often shelters inside empty clamshells, pulling the valves partially shut behind it.
- Found in seagrass beds and shallow reefs across the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean.
- Adults live less than one year, dying shortly after eggs hatch.
Where Atlantic Pygmy Octopus are seen
Background
The Atlantic pygmy octopus (Octopus joubini), also known as the small-egg Caribbean pygmy octopus, is a small octopus species in the order Octopoda. Fully grown, this cephalopod reaches a mantle length of 4.5 cm (1.8 in) with arms up to 9 cm (3.5 in) long. They are known for being intelligent creatures with keen senses, particularly good sight.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Atlantic Pygmy Octopus article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other octopus/squid on CatchRules
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.