SPECIAL ANIMALS AND THEIR UNIQUE FEATURES

The octopus often has a sharp beak, and an octopus will always have eight arms (unless any have been lost). Most species of octopus generally have arms with circular sucker pads on.

The lifespan of the octopus depends on the species of octopus, with many species of octopus averaging around 6 months old. Some species of octopus however, particularly the bigger octopus species, can live for a few years.

The octopus is well known for being a master of disguise and is able to blend into pretty much any background using its elaborate camouflage. The octopus not only uses this to its advantage for both hiding from potential prey and predators, but it is also thought to play a role in the male octopuses mating display, in order to attract a female octopus.

The octopus is also thought to have three hearts, two of which are used for pumping blood through the gills, and another for pumping the pale blue blood of the octopus through the rest of the body.

Generally, most species of octopus have no internal or external skeleton which means that the octopus is able to squeeze itself into tight places. The octopusis known to be one of the most intelligent of all the invertebrates and the octopus uses this to its advantage mainly using elaborate disguise.

Octopus Facts

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Mollusca
Class:	Cephalopoda
Order:	Octopoda
Family:	Octopodidae
Scientific Name:	Octopus Vulgaris
Type:	Mollusca
Diet:	Omnivore
Size:	0.3-4m (1-13ft)
Weight:	5-75kg (11-165lbs)
Top Speed:	43km/h (27mph)
Life Span:	2-15 years
Lifestyle:	Solitary
Conservation Status:	Least Concern
Colour:	Tan, Brown, Red, Orange, Blue, Purple
Skin Type:	Smooth
Favourite Food:	Crabs
Habitat:	Tropical and temperate waters worldwide
Average Litter Size:	80
Main Prey:	Crabs, Fish, Scallops
Predators:	Eels, Sharks, Dolphins
Special Features:	Eight tentacles with suckers and ink sack