If you’ve ever found yourself wondering about the mysterious, intelligent, and illusive wonders of the sea, you’re not alone. Octopuses (yes, octopuses—we’ll get to that in a second) have fascinated humans for centuries with their shapeshifting abilities, mind-blowing intelligence, and talent for squeezing through impossibly small spaces.
But before we dive into the amazing world of these eight-armed escape artists, let’s clear up one of the ocean’s biggest debates: what’s the correct plural of octopus? Some people say octopi, thinking it follows Latin rules, but octopus actually comes from Greek—meaning the proper (but rarely used) plural is octopodes. However, most scientists and language lovers agree that octopuses is the best choice in English.
Now that we’ve settled that, let’s explore the fascinating world of Bermuda’s octopuses!
Octopuses are incredibly adaptable, and their behaviour varies depending on the species. Some, like the Caribbean Reef Octopus, are known for their escape artistry and problem-solving abilities, while others, like the Giant Pacific Octopus, are larger predators capable of taking down bigger prey. Many species use tools and exhibit advanced learning skills, such as solving puzzles or opening containers, showing that octopuses are far from just simple invertebrates.
When it comes to reproduction, octopuses are remarkable. After mating, females lay their eggs in secure locations, often inside dens or on the reef. They guard the eggs until they hatch, but once the eggs are laid, the mother usually stops eating, focusing all her energy on protecting her offspring. After hatching, the young octopuses are left to fend for themselves, and the cycle begins again.
The Atlantic White-Spotted Octopus (Callistoctopus macropus) is a small yet fascinating species that can be found in Bermuda’s shallow waters, particularly around sandy and rocky seabeds. Known for its nocturnal habits, this octopus prefers to hide during the day and emerges at night to hunt small invertebrates and fish.
This octopus is a true master of camouflage, able to not only change its colour but also alter its texture to match the environment. This ability allows it to blend seamlessly with its surroundings and avoid predators. When threatened, it has the ability to release ink, creating a cloud of darkness to confuse predators while it makes its escape. Like many other octopus species, they have a relatively short lifespan, typically living only 1–2 years. Its entire lifecycle is focused on growth and reproduction, making its time in the wild incredibly intense.
The Caribbean Reef Octopus (Octopus briareus) is one of Bermuda’s most prominent species, commonly found in coral reefs and seagrass beds. With its striking ability to change both colour and texture, it can seamlessly blend into its environment, whether it’s hiding within coral or camouflaging in sand and rubble.
Caribbean Reef Octopuses are known for their impressive escape skills. They have been observed escaping aquariums, squeezing through tiny openings, andeven solving complex problems to access food. This ability to manipulate their environment highlights their intelligence and problem-solving skills. They can also display stunning flashes of colour when excited, using chromatophores in their skin to create a dazzling visual display. This can act as a warning signal to predators or rivals. This species is one of the few octopuses that actively hunts prey such as crabs and fish during both the night and the day. It uses tools, like rocks, to break open shells or protect itself from predators.
The Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) is perhaps the most well-known and studied octopus species in the world, and Bermuda is no exception to its presence. Found in a variety of habitats this species is solitary, intelligent, and primarily nocturnal.
The Common Octopus is one of the few animals in the animal kingdom known to use tools. They’ve been observed using coconut shells, shells, and even discarded bottles as shelters or shields, showing their incredible ability to adapt to their environment. They can learn by observation and experience – studies have shown that they can solve puzzles, navigate mazes, and remember solutions to challenges, much like mammals. While they are most famous for their camouflage, the Common Octopus can also mimic other sea creatures. They can change their shape, posture, and movement to imitate other species as a form of defence against predators.
While more commonly found in the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean, the Giant Pacific Octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini) can also be found in Bermuda’s deeper waters. This species is the largest octopus in the world, capable of growing up to 16 feet in length and weighing over 100 pounds.
The Giant Pacific Octopus is a true giant of the octopus world, with some individuals reaching up to 110 pounds. Despite their size, they are incredibly agile and can fit through openings no larger than their beak (the hardest part of their body). Unlike most octopuses, the Giant Pacific Octopus has a relatively long lifespan of 3 to 5 years. During this time, they grow rapidly and reach maturity in just a few months. These octopuses are known for their problem-solving abilities and escape skills. They can open jars, twist latches, and navigate complex environments, making them particularly difficult to keep in captivity. Their intelligence and dexterity are key to their survival.
The Giant Pacific Octopus isn’t just about hunting small fish and invertebrates. Due to their size, they can prey on larger animals like sharks and even seals in some cases. They use their powerful arms and sharp beaks to overpower their prey.
