The 10 Largest Octopuses in the World

Equally mysterious and beautiful, octopuses are captivating creatures. There are over 300 octopus species, and they thrive in every ocean habitat. Their soft bodies can rapidly change shape, allowing them to squeeze through tight spaces or expand when needed. Their nervous system and brain functions are among the most complex found in any invertebrate. While the recently discovered Carnarvon flapjack octopus is a mere 2 inches across, some octopus species can grow to extraordinary sizes. So how big do octopuses get? Read on to discover the 10 largest octopuses in the world.

10. Southern Red Octopus

Also known as the Patagonian red octopus, the southern red octopus (Enteroctopus megalocyathus) belongs to the genus of giant octopuses. Although they are not as massive as other species of Enteroctopus, the southern red octopus can still reach impressive sizes. Their average weight is 8.8 pounds, and they usually measure around 3.3 feet in length.

Southern red octopuses are distinguishable by their striking red color and paddle-shaped papillae. They are native to the coasts of Chile and Argentina, where they are one of the most abundant species of octopus. Currently, the IUCN has yet to evaluate the status of the southern red octopus.

9. Yellow Octopus

The yellow octopus (Enteroctopus zealandicus) is another member of the genus of giant octopuses. Little information exists about these mysterious creatures, so scientists must estimate how big they can grow. To date, the largest yellow octopus weighed 11 pounds and measured 4.6 feet in length.

Yellow octopuses live in the deep waters surrounding New Zealand at around 980-1700 feet. Although they are abundant, few specimens have ever been recovered. The IUCN has not yet evaluated the status of the yellow octopus. 

8. Dumbo Octopus

The Dumbo octopus (Grimpoteuthis) gets its name from Disney’s famous character due to its large fins that resemble the elephant’s ears. While the average Dumbo octopus measures between 7.9-12 inches long, some can grow to be much larger. The largest recorded specimen was 5 feet and 10 inches long and weighed almost 13 pounds. 

There are more than 15 species of Dumbo octopus. They are the deepest-dwelling octopus species, living at depths of at least 13,100 feet in tropical and temperate waters worldwide. Additionally, they do not have an ink sac, as they have few natural predators so deep in the ocean. The IUCN has not evaluated most dumbo octopus species, and those that have been assessed are generally classified as Data or Least Concern.

7. Common Octopus

In addition to being one of the largest known species, the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) is also considered the most intelligent invertebrate in the world. The common octopus has a number of techniques to avoid predators. They can camouflage themselves in their surroundings, use ink to obscure their movements, squeeze through any hole larger than their beaks, and even sacrifice an arm to escape, as it will grow back.

They can grow as large as 3 feet in length and weigh up to 22 pounds. While common octopuses reside in all temperatures of waters all over the world, they congregate in relatively shallow, rocky areas near coasts. The IUCN lists the common octopus as a species of Least Concern.

6. Common Blanket Octopus

Common blanket octopuses (Tremoctopus violaceus) exhibit one of the most extreme examples of sexual dimorphism among all animals, with females weighing as much as 40,000 times more than males. Females can grow to around 6.6 feet, while males reach less than 1 inch long. Researchers estimate the largest females can reach weights of up to 22 pounds with males reaching about 0.009 ounces.

Blanket octopuses prefer tropical and subtropical waters, particularly coral reefs. Although they are solitary and rarely, seen they can be found all over the world. These octopuses inhabit the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, as well as the Gulf of Mexico, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Caribbean. Their elusiveness makes determining their numbers challenging, but they are listed by the IUCN as a species of Least Concern.

5. Southern Giant Octopus

Similar to other members of the genus Enteroctopus, the southern giant octopus (Enteroctopus magnificus) is known for its distinctive size. Specimens typically weigh around 25 pounds and can measure up to 6 feet in length.

They are native to the waters off the coasts of Namibia and South Africa and tend to enjoy spending time in shallow, sub-tidal areas. Southern giant octopuses hunt a wide variety of prey, but their diet primarily consists of deep-sea portunid crabs. The IUCN has not yet evaluated the status of the southern giant octopus.

4. Maori Octopus

Also known as the New Zealand octopus, the Maori octopus (Macroctopus maorum) is just slightly larger than the southern giant octopus. On average, they weigh between 22-26.5 pounds and measure from 3.3-6.5 feet in length. Maori octopuses are known to be aggressive compared to other species of octopus, and females will fiercely protect their offspring from predators.

Maori octopuses are predominantly located in the waters surrounding South Australia and New Zealand. Currently, the IUCN has not evaluated the status of the Maori octopus. However, the population appears to be stable based on catch records. 

3. Frilled Giant Pacific Octopus

Discovered in 2017, the frilled giant Pacific octopus is a close relative of the giant Pacific octopus. They do not yet have their own scientific name as they have not been formally established as a separate species. The frilled giant Pacific octopuses are distinguishable from their sister species thanks to a frill of merged papillae across their bodies, along with two white spots on their heads.

Little information is available about their average size, but biologists estimate that they can reach up to 110 pounds and 16 feet in length. They can be found around Prince William Sound on the south coast of Alaska. The IUCN has yet to evaluate the frilled giant Pacific octopus’s status. 

2. Seven-Arm Octopus

Despite its name, the seven-arm octopus (Haliphron atlanticus) actually has eight arms, like all other octopus species. Their name comes from the unique arm used for egg fertilization that is coiled in a sac beneath the male’s right eye. Most specimens have been found in the Atlantic Ocean, although rare sightings have also occurred in the South Pacific.

Among known octopuses, they are second only to the giant Pacific octopus in terms of size. They have been reported to reach a maximum weight of 165 pounds and lengths of around 11 feet. The IUCN currently lists the seven-arm octopus as a species of Least Concern. 

1. Giant Pacific Octopus

The giant Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini) is the largest species of octopus in the world. They typically weigh up to 150 pounds and can measure over 15 feet long. However, the largest specimen ever found reportedly weighed an estimated 600 pounds and measured 30 feet in length. The largest known confirmed individual weighed approximately 437 pounds and measured around 32 feet.

Their diet consists of clams, shrimp, crabs, abalone, snails, scallops, fish, lobsters, and even other octopuses. On occasion, giant Pacific octopuses will even prey upon small sharks, such as the spiny dogfish. Sightings usually occur in waters bordering the western United States, British Columbia, Alaska, Japan, Russia, and the Korean Peninsula. The population of giant Pacific octopuses is unknown, but the IUCN currently lists them as a species of Least Concern.