| Gould octopus | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Cephalopoda |
| Order: | Octopoda |
| Family: | Octopodidae |
| Genus: | Octopus |
| Species: | O. mimus |
| Binomial name | |
| Octopus mimus Gould, 1852 | |
Octopus mimus (Gould octopus) is commonly found between northern Peru and northern Chile. [1] The species is relatively large with a round sacciform mantle without fins. [2] The tentacles are moderately large, approximately 4 times longer than the mantle. [2] The 3rd tentacle on the right holds the short, thin copulatory organ in males. [2] The color ranges, with individuals commonly speckled a mix of gray, yellow, black, green. [2] It is primarily benthic, living in rocky substrates and kelp forests until depths of 200 m. [3] The species is dicecious, breeding throughout the year with one or two peaks depending on the latitude. [4] After mating the female cares for the eggs letting her body deteriorate until death. [4] This animal grows up to 115 cm in length and 3.7 kg in females and 107 cm in length and 4.4 kg in males. [4] Juveniles can double in size every 30 to 60 days. [4] The Gould octopus is an opportunistic predator feeding primarily on crustaceans, mollusks, fish, and echinoderms. [3] This species is commonly fished in Peru and Chile. Semi-Moist diets provide the best growth efficiency for the octopus mimus while also being feasibly sustainable. [3]