Species profile
Atlantic Pygmy Octopus
Octopus joubini
Identify Atlantic Pygmy Octopus (Octopus joubini) from a photo — free, unlimited, no sign-up — with the CatchRules iPhone app.
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
Frequently asked questions
What is Atlantic Pygmy Octopus?
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.
What is the scientific name for Atlantic Pygmy Octopus?
Atlantic Pygmy Octopus is Octopus joubini.
Are there fishing rules for Atlantic Pygmy Octopus?
Atlantic Pygmy 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 Pygmy Octopus?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes Atlantic Pygmy 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.