AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Octopus bimaculatus
Two-spotted octopus
(Verrill, 1883)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
The two-spotted octopus (Octopus bimaculatus) is a benthic cephalopod easily distinguished by two iridescent blue false eye spots (ocelli) located below its real eyes. It is renowned for its high intelligence and amazing ability to change color and texture.
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Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Mollusca
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Cephalopoda
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Octopoda
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Octopodidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Octopus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Verrill, 1883)
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits intertidal and subtidal zones of rocky coasts, often taking refuge in crevices, caves, or inside empty shells and debris, from the surface down to about 20 meters deep.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Solitary and primarily nocturnal species. It actively explores the seabed using its arms to probe crevices and inject a paralyzing venom into crustaceans and mollusks.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Strictly solitary, meeting with other individuals only during the brief mating process. It may exhibit territorial behavior towards other octopuses.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Benthic carnivore. It feeds primarily by drilling through the shells of snails and clams with its radula, and injecting venom into crabs.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
It is a key benthic predator that controls populations of bivalves and small crabs. In turn, it is an important prey for moray eels, seals, sea lions, and sharks.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Mating involves the transfer of a spermatophore. The female deposits tens of thousands of eggs in a cave and cleans, oxygenates, and defends them without eating until they hatch and she dies.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
20.0 - 60.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
200 g - 1.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.10000 - 70000
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
6 - 9 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
60 - 120
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males1 - 2 Years
Females1 - 2 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
The male possesses a modified third right arm called a hectocotylus, which he specifically uses to deposit sperm packets into the female’s mantle cavity.
Females Multi-lang
The female lacks the hectocotylus arm. They tend to be slightly larger than males and undergo rapid senescence after the egg incubation period.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
False eyes: The blue ocelli act as a defense mechanism to intimidate predators by simulating the face of a much larger creature.
Dynamic camouflage: It possesses chromatophores, iridophores, and dermal papillae that allow it to instantly alter the color and texture of its skin to blend in with its surroundings.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat degradation: Water pollution and the destruction of coastal rocky reefs reduce its shelter and hunting areas.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Telltale middens: They tend to accumulate the empty shells and carapaces of their prey in front of their dens, forming mounds known as middens that give away their location.