Species profile
Caribbean Reef Octopus
Octopus briareus
At a glance
Caribbean Reef Octopus (Octopus briareus) 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 71 research-grade iNaturalist observations, concentrated in Florida.
Notable details
- Found on coral reefs and seagrass beds from Florida throughout the Caribbean.
- Changes skin color and texture almost instantaneously for camouflage.
- Arms can span up to 60 cm while the body itself remains comparatively small.
- An active nocturnal predator of crabs, shrimp, and small fish.
- Females brood their eggs for several weeks without eating until the young hatch.
Where Caribbean Reef Octopus are seen
Background
The Caribbean reef octopus is a coral reef marine animal. It has eight long arms that vary in length and diameter. In comparison to the arms, the mantle is large and bulky. This species is difficult to describe because it changes color and texture to blend into its surroundings, using specialised skin cells known as chromatophores. Its color range is very large; it can change from crimson to…
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Caribbean Reef 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.