What Divers Should Know About Giant Pacific Octopus

The Giant Pacific octopus, Enteroctopus dofleini, thrives in the cold, oxygen- and nutrient-rich waters of the coastal North Pacific. You can find this magnificent cephalopod across a vast depth range, from the intertidal zone all the way down to 2,000 meters (6,600 feet). Its broad distribution spans from Baja California up along the U.S. West Coast and British Columbia, across to the Russian Far East, Japan, and the Korean Peninsula.

As the largest octopus species on Earth, Enteroctopus dofleini is an impressive sight in any marine environment. These cephalopods play a crucial role in maintaining the health and biodiversity of deep-sea ecosystems, a significance extending beyond their importance in cognitive research and the fishing industry.

A skilled predator, the Giant Pacific octopus hunts a wide array of prey, including shrimp, crabs, scallops, and various bivalves. It has also been documented preying on larger targets such as fish, squid, and even other octopuses. Notably, this species can tackle substantial prey; observations include it preying on spiny dogfish up to 1.2 meters (4 feet) in length, and even a seagull in the wild.