10 extraordinary octopus species you didn’t know existed

1. Common Octopus: This octopus is the most studied species. Incredibly intelligent, adaptable and found in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide. (Image: Canva)

2. Mimic Octopus: This intelligent octopus imitates lions, sea snakes, and flounders, fooling predators and prey alike with remarkable shape-shifting camouflage abilities. (Image: Canva)

3. Big Blue Octopus: Known as the day octopus, it hunts actively in daylight, rapidly changing colours and patterns to stalk prey across vibrant reefs. (Image: Canva)

4. Giant Pacific Octopus: The world’s largest octopus, with arm spans exceeding four metres, known for intelligence, strength, and remarkable adaptability across deep waters. (Image: Canva)

5. Coconut Octopus: Famous for tool use, it gathers shells and coconut halves, cleverly building protective shelters as it roams sandy ocean floors. (Image: Canva)

6. Blue Ringed Octopus: Though tiny, its glowing blue rings warn of extreme venom. It's one bite contains enough toxins to endanger multiple adult humans. (Image: Canva)

7. Carribean Reef Octopus: This octopus is stunningly colourful, capable of flashing blues and greens and highly agile when hunting along coral reefs. (Image: Canva)

8. California Two-Spot Octopus: Two-Spot Octopus: Recognised by distinctive blue eye-like spots, this intelligent species is popular in research, displaying remarkable problem-solving skills and playful behaviour. (Image: Canva)

9. Veined Octopus: A resourceful “tool-using” octopus, often seen carrying shells or coconut halves for protection, cleverly crafting mobile shelters on sandy seabeds. (Image: Canva)

10. Argonaut Octopus: These are very protective for their babies. The females create delicate, papery shells to protect their eggs. This is some unique technique unlike any other octopus. (Image: Canva)