Pale Octopus
Southern Keeled Octopus
Octopus pallidus is often found in the same habitat as the Southern Keeled Octopus, but lacks the skin ridge or ‘keel’ of this other octopus species.
Identification
Octopus pallidus is a robust, muscular species with a solid body and short, stout arms of subequal length. It has a number of sharp spikes of skin over the body which can be raised, along with a regular patchment of small raised oval patches over their entire body and arms.
Habitat
The pale octopus occurs on sand substrates, often in association with sponge gardens or beds of sea squirts. It has been found in shallow waters to depths of almost 600m.
Distribution
Common in bays and coastal waters of Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. Less commonly found in waters of southern NSW.
Feeding and diet
The Pale Octopus emerges at night to feed on crustaceans and shellfish, primarily collecting shellfish which it pulls apart or drills using its sharp-toothed tongue to poison the occupant and gain entry.
Other behaviours and adaptations
O. pallidus hides during the day in rubble, empty sea squirt cases or human rubbish. The pointed and branched digits of skin present over the body can be raised to help with camouflage.
The female lays large eggs which are attached singly to hard surfaces. The hatchlings are well-developed with good skin sculpture and camouflage. They crawl away after hatching and immediately start to forage.
Economic impacts
This species is harvested on a small scale using unbaited plastic pots which the octopuses use as shelter- to be primarily used as bait.
References
- Norman, M., (2000) Cephalopods- A World Guide, ConchBooks, Germany (Hackenheim)
- Norman, M & A. Reid., (2000) A Guide to Squid, Cuttlefish and Octopuses of Australasia, CSIRO Publishing, Victoria (Collingwood)
- Stranks, T. (1986) Study of the Octopus of south-eastern Australia, SAfish 10(3) pg 9.
- Stranks, T.N., (1988) Systematics of the family Octopodidae (Mollusca: Cephalopoda) of south-eastern Australia, Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne.
