Giant Pacific Octopus
Have you ever seen a critter with 8 arms, no legs, and no bones? The Giant Pacific Octopus is just that, and there’s a lot we can learn about their amazing abilities!
Come along, let's learn some more!
Critter At A Glance
What are the Giant Pacific Octopus critter talents? This giant of its species grows up to 12 feet and can weigh up to 50 lbs! These critters are a cephalopod which means “head-foot.” Can you imagine having your head directly connected to your feet or arms? Since they don’t have hard shells to protect them like a snail, they have to rely on other means like camouflage and venom.
How do they protect their babies? The mother octopus sits on her clutch of eggs for 7 MONTHS to protect them. She doesn’t even eat during this time!
What habitat do they need? The Giant Pacific Octopus lives in coral, rocky areas in the water, and shallow water between tide zones. They eat small fish, lobsters, and shrimp.
Do you want to know more about what it’s like to be an octopus? Don’t miss Diego’s adventure below!
Are you ready for an out of this world fact?
The Great Pacific Octopus does not have teeth, it has a beak….Like a BIRD! But, it uses this beak for more than eating. It can inject venom into prey too!
Critter Protectors we need you! Can you join the CritterQ and tell more friends about Kids Animal Stories?
Today’s challenge is to CREATE an octopus!
Step 1 Use modeling clay or any type of dough you have on hand to make your very own octopus. Don’t forget 8 legs!
Step 2 Try and squeeze your little critter into some different containers or tubes. Do you notice how it can squish into different shapes? This is what a real octopus does!
Share your scene! #heymrjim #kidsanimalstories
“Giant Pacific Octopus.” Ocean Conservancy, https://oceanconservancy.org/wildlife-factsheet/giant-pacific-octopus/?ea.tracking.id=20HPXGJAXX&gclid=CjwKCAjwh5qLBhALEiwAioods5i372r3iTSKmy7tQ9v2QVULiywhsVZ-ZbVBKQwErLOvgZ0io1G9pRoCrTkQAvD_BwE.