Southern Ocean Giant Octopus [Megaleledone setebos]
Description
The Southern Ocean Giant Octopus, also known as Megaleledone setebos, is the only known species within the Megaleledone genus. It is an octopus species endemic to the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica. This species is notable for its large size, with adults typically reaching a total length of up to 1 meter. This octopus is a benthic creature living on the ocean floor at depths of 1000 meters or more. It has a relatively short lifespan of 3-4 years and is known to reproduce only once before dying, a behavior referred to as semelparity. The Southern Ocean Giant Octopus is distinguished by a robust body, large eyes, and eight long arms covered with suckers.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Mollusks
Mollusca
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Squids, Octopuses, and Cuttlefish
Cephalopoda
|
| Order |
Squids
Teuthida
|
| Family |
Cranchiids
Cranchiidae
|
| Genus |
Megaleledone
Megaleledone
|