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Free-living mollusc that lives in waters on coral reefs
Scientific Name:
Common Name: Big Blue Octopus
Dimensions: The animals reach a maximum length of 120 cm in stretched position. Body weight to at least 6 kg.
Medium: model
Registration Number: RPN.2018.0165
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The big blue octopus is a mollusc with a large head, two big eyes, and eight arms covered in suckers. Male octopuses have longer arms for mating. They are typically brown but can change colour for camouflage, communication, and to express emotions or warnings.
Habitat and Biology
This species of octopus lives in shallow waters on coral reefs. Unlike most octopuses, it hunts during the day and releases ink to escape from threats, confusing predators like eels and fish. It swims backward when doing this and can also hide in crevices or rubble. Its hiding spots are marked by leftover shells of its prey, often bivalves and crabs. When hunting, it moves forward along the sea bottom.
ECO System Qatar
Coral reefs are colonies of tiny animals thriving in nutrient-poor marine waters, typically in shallow, productive regions on solid substrates. Composed of calcium carbonate secretions, they serve essential ecological, economic, recreational, and cultural roles. They offer shelter and sustenance to various marine life, protect coastlines from storms and erosion, support fishing and leisure activities, and are part of cultural heritage. Around 10% of Qatar's seabed is covered by coral reefs, vital to over 80% of the Gulf's fish species. Noteworthy Qatar reefs are near Halul Island, Othman Reef, and Khor Al Udaid. Unfortunately, these reefs are endangered, as evidenced by a significant decline in coral health.
PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH
Carpenter, K. E., et al. "FAO species identification field guide for fishery purposes. The living marine resources of Kuwait, Eastern Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates." FAO species identification field guide for fishery purposes. The living marine resources of Kuwait, Eastern Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. (1997).