Description
A large octopus is an exceptionally intelligent cephalopod that lives in seas and oceans. Along with giant squids, it is among the largest molluscs and invertebrates, inhabiting greater depths. It grows to 3–5 metres in length and weighs 10–50 kg, although one reportedly reached a tentacle span of 9.8 metres and weighed up to 272 kg. It moves along the seabed using long, sucker-covered tentacles and seeks shelter among coral, beneath boulders and in crevices. When threatened, it changes colour or releases a cloud of ink. Young octopuses hide in holes beneath rocks, in sand or gravel, while adults hunt mainly at night for crabs, lobsters, other crustaceans and molluscs, smaller octopuses and fish, often eating their food in their shelter.