Common octopus  (Octopus vulgaris)

Species information

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Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Authentication

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact: arkive@wildscreen.org.uk

Glossary

  • Carapace: the top shell of a turtle. In arthropods (insects, crabs etc), the fused head and thorax (the part of the body located near the head) also known as ‘cephalothorax’.
  • Crustaceans: diverse group of arthropods (a phylum of animals with jointed limbs and a hard chitinous exoskeleton) characterised by the possession of two pairs of antennae, one pair of mandibles (parts of the mouthparts used for handling and processing food) and two pairs of maxillae (appendages used in eating, which are located behind the mandibles). Includes crabs, lobsters, shrimps, slaters, woodlice and barnacles.
  • Sublittoral: a marine zone between the littoral zone (the shallow zone where light reaches the bed, subject to submersion and exposure by tides) and depths of around 200m.

References

  1. NBN Species Dictionary (November, 2002)
    http://nbn.nhm.ac.uk/nhm/
  2. Gibson, R., Hextall, B. and Rogers, A. (2001) Photographic Guide to the Sea & Shore Life of Britain and North-west Europe.Oxford University Press, Oxford.
  3. Buczacki, S. (2002) Fauna Britannica.Hamlyn, London.
  4. Wilson, E. (1999) Octopus vulgaris. Common octopus. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme. [On-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. (November, 2003)
    http://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/Octopusvulgaris.htm
  5. The cephalopod page (September, 2008)
    http://www.thecephalopodpage.org/Octopusvulgaris.php
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