Atlantic pygmy octopus

Atlantic pygmy octopus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Cephalopoda
Order: Octopoda
Family: Octopodidae
Genus: Octopus
Species:
O. joubini
Binomial name
Octopus joubini
Robson, 1929

The Atlantic pygmy octopus (Octopus joubini), also known as the small-egg Caribbean pygmy octopus, is a small species of octopus in the order Octopoda. Fully grown, this cephalopod reaches a mantle length of 4.5 cm (1.8 inches) with arms up to 9 cm (3.5 inches) long.[2] They are known for being intelligent creatures with keen senses, particularly good sight.

O. joubini often seeks shelter from predators in empty clamshells, cans or small openings, pulling the opening closed with its arms, combining sand and gravel to form a lid.[3] It employs the two defensive mechanisms typical of all octopuses: ink sacs and camouflage. All Cephalopods have chromatophores, special pigmented and light reflecting cells on their skin which allows them to change colour and texture quickly.

They are found in the Atlantic Ocean, particularly in the tropical waters of the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. The first holotype was collected in 1929 by Guy Coburn Robson and became a key factor in distinguishing between O. joubini and the closely related Octopus mercatoris (or in some cases, an unidentified species referred to as Octopus sp. X).[4] Much of the information about O. joubini was obtained through laboratory studies of captive specimens and what little is known about their behavior in a natural environment is inferential.

  1. ^ Allcock, L. & Headlam, J (2018). "Octopus joubini". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T162911A952525. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T162911A952525.en. Retrieved 29 January 2023.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ Norman, Mark D. (2000). Cephalopods: A World Guide. Hackenheim: ConchBooks. ISBN 3-925919-32-5. Retrieved 4 January 2023.
  3. ^ "Octopuses and Squids". Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory. Archived from the original on 25 February 2007.
  4. ^ Forsythe, John W. (March 1984). "Octopus joubini (Mollusca: Cephalopoda): a detailed study of growth through the full life cycle in a closed seawater system". Journal of Zoology. 202 (3): 393–417. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7998.1984.tb05091.x. ISSN 0952-8369. Retrieved 4 January 2023.