Enteroctopus magnificus
Enteroctopus magnificus, also known as the southern giant octopus, is a large octopus in the genus Enteroctopus. It is native to the waters off Namibia and South Africa.
| Southern giant octopus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Cephalopoda |
| Order: | Octopoda |
| Family: | Enteroctopodidae |
| Genus: | Enteroctopus |
| Species: | E. magnificus |
| Binomial name | |
| Enteroctopus magnificus (Villanueva, Sanchez & Compagno, 1992) | |
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| Distribution of E. magnificus | |
| Synonyms | |
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Description
E. magnificus bears the distinctive characteristics of the genus Enteroctopus, including longitudinal folds on the body and large, paddle-like papillae. E. magnificus is a large octopus, reaching total lengths of up to 1.8 m[1] and a mass of 11.4 kg.[2]
Range and habitat
E. magnificus occurs from Namibia to Port Elizabeth, South Africa. It is found primarily on sand and mud flats from shallow subtidal areas to about 1000 m depth.[1]
Predators
E. magnificus is predated on by the South African fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) and the leafscale gulper shark (Centrophorus squamosus).[2]
Diet
Like many octopuses, E. magnificus is a generalist predator. The chief food source for this octopus is the deep-sea portunid crab Bathynectes piperitus. Other major prey items include the Cape hagfish (Myxine capensis), the crab species Pontophilus gracilis, and hermit crabs in the genus Parapagurus.[2]
Fisheries
E. magnificus is only collected by trawl and in lobster pots. Harvest of this octopus is small, mainly as a finfish trawl fisheries by-catch.[1]
References
- Norman, M. (2003). Cephalopods: A World Guide. ConchBooks: Heckenhaim, Germany. pp. 213–216.
- Villanueva, R. (1993). Diet and mandibular growth of Octopus magnificus (Cephalopoda). South African Journal of Marine Science 13: 121–126.