Curled octopus  (Eledone cirrhosa)

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

Description

The cephalopods (meaning 'head-footed'), a group of molluscs that contain the octopuses, squid and cuttlefish, are probably the most intelligent of all invertebrates. They have well-developed heads, with large eyes and mouths that feature beak-like jaws. All octopuses have eight tentacle-like arms; indeed 'octopus' derives from the Greek for 'eight-footed' (3). The curled octopus is typically yellowish or reddish-orange in colour with rusty-brown patches and a whitish underside; individuals are able to rapidly change colour to suit their surroundings (2). The slender arms taper towards the tips; they feature a single row of suckers and are curled when the octopus is at rest, hence the common name (2).

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