Cephalopods | Cephalopoda

Cephalopods | Cephalopoda

Description
Description

Cephalopods, belonging to the class Cephalopoda, are a group of mollusks that include squid, octopuses, cuttlefish, and nautiluses. Known for their remarkable intelligence, these marine creatures possess highly developed nervous systems, complex eyes, and the ability to change color and texture instantly for communication and camouflage. Cephalopods inhabit diverse marine environments, from shallow reefs to the deep sea. Their lineage dates back over 500 million years, evolving from shelled ancestors to present-day forms, some with reduced or internal shells. Their evolutionary journey has made them masterful adaptors, with sophisticated hunting strategies and an uncanny ability to elude predators, playing crucial roles in marine ecosystems.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Cephalopods, like octopuses and squids, are fascinating marine creatures with soft, flexible bodies. They don't have bones, which lets them squeeze into tight spaces. Instead of a skeleton, some have a stiff structure called a pen or shell for support. They move by jet propulsion, squirting water out of their bodies to zoom through the ocean. Their heads are distinct, with large, complex eyes that provide excellent vision. They have tentacles or arms with suckers for grabbing food and exploring. While they don't make sounds we can hear, they communicate using changing colors and patterns on their skin, a trait unique in the animal kingdom.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

Cephalopods have long captivated human imagination with their alien-like appearance and remarkable intelligence. Ancient mariners spun tales of giant squid and octopuses, inspiring sea monsters in mythology. Today, they are popular in media, from the calculating octopus in "Finding Dory" to the enigmatic creatures in literary works like "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." Scientific fascination has led to studies revealing their problem-solving abilities and unique behavior, enhancing their mystique.

While they feature in global cuisines, overfishing and habitat destruction pose threats, prompting conservation efforts. Marine reserves and sustainable fishing practices are increasingly advocated to protect these intriguing denizens of the deep.

Common Questions
Common Questions
How do cephalopods move?

The main way cephalopods move is through a form of jet propulsion. They do so by drawing water into their mantle cavity and over their gills. Once the cephalopod wants to move it contracts the muscles of the mantle cavity, and water is squeezed out with enough power to propel itself in the desired direction.

What do cephalopods eat?

Cephalopods are predators and are not picky carnivores. Cephalopods typically eat crustaceans, fish, bivalves, jellyfish, and even other cephalopods. They tend to hunt at the surface of water at night without the threat of predators seeing them. Once the sun rises, they go down to deeper and darker water.

How do cephalopods mate?

Mating for cephalopods is an event that only happens once in their life, as they both die shortly after mating. When females are ready to mate, they will display a certain color. The male will mate with her by placing his sperm in the female’s pallial cavity, with a tentacle called the hectocotylus. The female cephalopod then lays the fertilized eggs.

Animals

* Under Development *

9.8”-15” | 25-38 cm
.35-3.1 lb | .16-1.4 kg
.5-1 year
Bigfin Reef Squid
38.000
1.400
1.00
1600
GUIDE
3D
Bigfin Reef Squid
13’-26.25’ | 4-8 m
.35-3.1 lb | .16-1.4 kg
Bigfin Squid
800.000
1.400
55450
GUIDE
3D
Bigfin Squid
18”-23” | 46-58 cm (Arm)
4.4-8.8 lb | 2-4 kg
1-2 years
California Two-Spot Octopus
58.000
4.000
2.00
1500
GUIDE
3D
California Two-Spot Octopus
19.7”-23.6” | 50-60 cm (Arm)
2.2-3.3 lb | 1-1.5 kg
10-12 months
Caribbean Reef Octopus
60.000
1.500
1.00
1060
GUIDE
3D
Caribbean Reef Octopus
4.7”-7.9” | 12-20 cm
1-3 years
Caribbean Reef Squid
20.000
3.00
1590
GUIDE
3D
Caribbean Reef Squid
6.3”-8.3” | 16-21 cm
.88-1.3 lb | .4-.6 kg
15-20 years
Chambered Nautilus
21.000
0.600
20.00
15400
GUIDE
3D
Chambered Nautilus
9.8’-13.1’ | 3-4 m
2-3 years
Cockatoo Squid
400.000
3.00
730
GUIDE
3D
Cockatoo Squid
2.75”-3.5” | 7-9 cm (Arm)
.5-1.5 lb | .23-.69 kg
3-5 years
Coconut Octopus
9.000
0.690
5.00
4450
GUIDE
3D
Coconut Octopus
30’-49’ | 9-15 m
330-1091 lb | 150-495 kg
Colossal Squid
1500.000
495.000
137100
GUIDE
3D
Colossal Squid
6’-6.6’ | 1.83-2 m
~2.2 lb | 1 kg
3-5 years
Common Blanket Octopus
200.000
1.000
5.00
630
GUIDE
3D
Common Blanket Octopus
6”-10” | 15-25 cm
4.4-8.8 lb | 2-4 kg
1-2 years
Common Cuttlefish
25.000
4.000
2.00
9100
GUIDE
3D
Common Cuttlefish
29.9”-39.4” | 76-100 cm (Arm)
6.6-22 lb | 3-10 kg
1-2 years
Common Octopus
100.000
10.000
2.00
22300
GUIDE
3D
Common Octopus
39”-51” | 99-130 cm
44-66 lb | 20-30 kg
1 year
Diamond Squid
130.000
30.000
1.00
750
GUIDE
3D
Diamond Squid
7.9”-11.8” | 20-30 cm
2-13 lb | .9-5.9 kg
3-5 years
Dumbo Octopus
30.000
5.900
5.00
94040
GUIDE
3D
Dumbo Octopus
11.8”-19.7” | 30-50 cm (Arm)
.22-.88 lb | .1-.4 kg
1-2 years
East Pacific Red Octopus
50.000
0.400
2.00
660
GUIDE
3D
East Pacific Red Octopus
3.9”-5.1” | 10-13 cm
.66-.88 lb | .3-.4 kg
1.5-2 years
Flamboyant Cuttlefish
13.000
0.400
2.00
5800
GUIDE
3D
Flamboyant Cuttlefish
7’-13’ | 2.13-3.96 m (Arm)
22-110 lb | 10-50 kg
3-5 years
Giant Pacific Octopus
396.000
50.000
5.00
35000
GUIDE
3D
Giant Pacific Octopus
3’-5’6” | .91-1.68 m
33’-46’ | 10-14 m
440-2,000 lb | 200-907 kg
2-5 years
Giant Squid
168.000
1400.000
907.000
5.00
88000
GUIDE
3D
Giant Squid
15.75”-17.7” | 40-45 cm
.06-.07 lb | .025-.03 kg
Glass Octopus
45.000
0.030
14800
GUIDE
3D
Glass Octopus
11.8”-17.7” | 30-45 cm
.06-.07 lb | .025-.03 kg
1 year
Greater Argonaut
45.000
0.030
1.00
1320
GUIDE
3D
Greater Argonaut
4.7”-5.9” | 12-15 cm
.02-.22 lb | .01-.1 kg
2-3 years
Greater Blue-Ringed Octopus
15.000
0.100
3.00
650
GUIDE
3D
Greater Blue-Ringed Octopus
4.9’-8.2’ | 1.5-2.5 m
99-110 lb | 45-50 kg
1-2 years
Humboldt Squid
250.000
50.000
2.00
28600
GUIDE
3D
Humboldt Squid
11.8”-19.7” | 30-50 cm
.22-1.1 lb | .1-.5 kg
1 year
Japanese Flying Squid
50.000
0.500
1.00
1600
GUIDE
3D
Japanese Flying Squid
4.7”-5.9” | 12-15 cm
1 year
Japanese Squid
15.000
1.00
2100
GUIDE
3D
Japanese Squid
23.6”-27.6” | 60-70 cm
5-20 lb | 2.3-9.1 kg
.75-2 years
Mimic Octopus
70.000
9.100
2.00
16350
GUIDE
3D
Mimic Octopus
9.5’-11.5’ | 2.9-3.5 m
135-165 lb | 61-75 kg
2-10 years
Seven-Arm Octopus
350.000
75.000
10.00
1300
GUIDE
3D
Seven-Arm Octopus
.8”-1” | 2-2.5 cm
~.002 lb | .001 kg
.5-1.5 years
Star-Sucker Pygmy Octopus
2.500
0.001
1.50
1120
GUIDE
3D
Star-Sucker Pygmy Octopus
13”-39.4” | 33-100 cm
Strawberry Squid
100.000
17890
GUIDE
3D
Strawberry Squid
4.3”-10.6” | 11-27 cm
Telescope Octopus
27.000
2440
GUIDE
3D
Telescope Octopus
6”-12” | 15-30 cm
~1 lb | .45 kg
6-10 years
Vampire Squid
30.000
0.450
10.00
79600
GUIDE
3D
Vampire Squid
Common Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis)
Scale illustration of an average Common Cuttlefish compared to other cephalopod species

The Common Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) is the largest and most known species of all cuttlefish. They are chunky with large eyes and beak like jaws. The Common Cuttlefish varies in color, but is typically black-brown, mottled, or striped. Common Cuttlefishes can quickly change their color and texture to match their surroundings. The Common Cuttlefish is native to the Mediterranean Sea, North Sea, and Baltic Sea. During the day they spend their time buried below substrate and are active at night. The Common Cuttlefish preys on crustaceans, small fish, and mollusks. The Common Cuttlefish is not in danger of extinction.

The Common Cuttlefish has an overall length between 6”-10” (15-25 cm), mantle length of 2”-9.8” (5-25 cm), and weight of 4.4-8.8 lb (2-4 kg). The typical lifespan of the Common Cuttlefish is between 1-2 years.

Series of elevation illustrations of the Common Cuttlefish
The Common Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) is the largest and most known species of all cuttlefish. They are chunky with large eyes and beak like jaws. The Common Cuttlefish varies in color, but is typically black-brown, mottled, or striped. Common Cuttlefishes can quickly change their color.

The Common Cuttlefish has an overall length between 6”-10” (15-25 cm), mantle length of 2”-9.8” (5-25 cm), and weight of 4.4-8.8 lb (2-4 kg). The typical lifespan of the Common Cuttlefish is between 1-2 years.

Series of elevation illustrations of the Common Cuttlefish
Common Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis)
Height:
Width:
Length:
6”-10” | 15-25 cm
Depth:
Weight:
4.4-8.8 lb | 2-4 kg
Area:

Mantle Length: 2”-9.8” | 5-25 cm

Scientific Name
Sepia officinalis
Lifespan
1-2 years

Drawings include:

Common Cuttlefish side elevation, front

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Greater Argonaut (Argonauta argo)
Scale illustration of an average Greater Argonaut compared to other cephalopod species

The Greater Argonaut (Argonauta argo) is a cephalopod with a blue sheen on their pair of arms and around their eyes. 6 of their 8 arms are long and thin while the other 2 are rounded into palms that can be spread. The females of this species are much larger than the males. Female Greater Argonaut’s use the 2 arms for form a delicate shell that she uses to protect her babies while they are young. The Greater Argonaut can be found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. Greater Argonauts generally eat sea slugs and crustaceans. They are not in danger of extinction.

The Greater Argonaut has an overall length between 11.8”-17.7” (30-45 cm) and weight of .06-.07 lb (.025-.03 kg). The typical lifespan of the Greater Argonaut is 1 year.

Series of elevation illustrations of the Greater Argonaut
The Greater Argonaut (Argonauta argo) is a cephalopod with a blue sheen on their pair of arms and around their eyes. 6 of their 8 arms are long and thin while the other 2 are rounded into palms that can be spread. The females of this species are much larger than the males.

The Greater Argonaut has an overall length between 11.8”-17.7” (30-45 cm) and weight of .06-.07 lb (.025-.03 kg). The typical lifespan of the Greater Argonaut is 1 year.

Series of elevation illustrations of the Greater Argonaut
Greater Argonaut (Argonauta argo)
Height:
Width:
Length:
11.8”-17.7” | 30-45 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.06-.07 lb | .025-.03 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Argonauta argo
Lifespan
1 year

Drawings include:

Greater Argonaut side elevation, front

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Vampire Squid (Vampyroteuthis infernalis)
Scale illustration of an average Vampire Squid compared to other cephalopod species

The Vampire Squid (Vampyroteuthis infernalis) is a small cephalopod with a gelatinous body. Its coloring that ranges from jet-black to pale red depending on the location and lighting conditions. The Vampire Squid has globular eyes that appear red or blue depending on the lighting. It was named after its dark color, webbing between the arms, and red eyes. The Vampire Squid is found worldwide in tropical and temperate waters and tend to stay at deep water depths. They are filter feeders, not predatory, and eat bits of dead planktonic creatures and fecal pellets. The Vampire Squid conservation status is not known.

The Vampire Squid has an overall length between 6”-12” (15-30 cm), mantle length of 3.15”-4.72” (8-12 cm), and weight of around 1 lb (.45 kg). The typical lifespan of the Vampire Squid is between 6-10 years.

Series of elevation illustrations of the Vampire Squid
The Vampire Squid (Vampyroteuthis infernalis) is a small cephalopod with a gelatinous body. Its coloring that ranges from jet-black to pale red depending on the location and lighting conditions. The Vampire Squid has globular eyes that appear red or blue depending on the lighting.

The Vampire Squid has an overall length between 6”-12” (15-30 cm), mantle length of 3.15”-4.72” (8-12 cm), and weight of around 1 lb (.45 kg). The typical lifespan of the Vampire Squid is between 6-10 years.

Series of elevation illustrations of the Vampire Squid
Vampire Squid (Vampyroteuthis infernalis)
Height:
Width:
Length:
6”-12” | 15-30 cm
Depth:
Weight:
~1 lb | .45 kg
Area:

Mantle Length: 3.15”-4.72” | 8-12 cm

Scientific Name
Vampyroteuthis infernalis
Lifespan
6-10 years

Drawings include:

Vampire Squid side elevation, front

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Giant Squid (Architeuthis dux)
Size comparison illustration of a Giant Squid compared to a scuba diver with overall length dimensions

The Giant squid, considered to be the largest living invertebrate, is a cephalopod that finds its habitat in temperate to subtropical marine waters. Due to it being a deep-ocean dweller, the giant squid can grow to an enormous size. It is characterized by having a head, a mantle with two large fins attached, eight arms, and two tentacles. Suckers can be found on the tentacles and are used to catch prey while its large eyes are thought to aid it in discerning the shapes of nearby predators. In pop culture, the giant squid is depicted as a menacing sea monster.

Giant Squids have a broad overall length between 33’-46’ (10-14 m) and a width of 3’-5’6” (.91-1.68 m). An average Giant Squid weighs between 440-2,000 lb (200-907 kg) and has a typical lifespan of 2-5 years.

Side elevation drawing of a Giant Squid in a swimming posture
The Giant squid, considered to be the largest living invertebrate, is a cephalopod that finds its habitat in temperate to subtropical marine waters. The giant squid can grow to an enormous size and is characterized by having a head, a mantle with two large fins, eight arms, and two tentacles.

Giant Squids have a broad overall length between 33’-46’ (10-14 m) and a width of 3’-5’6” (.91-1.68 m). An average Giant Squid weighs between 440-2,000 lb (200-907 kg) and has a typical lifespan of 2-5 years.

Side elevation drawing of a Giant Squid in a swimming posture
Giant Squid (Architeuthis dux)
Height:
Width:
3’-5’6” | .91-1.68 m
Length:
33’-46’ | 10-14 m
Depth:
Weight:
440-2,000 lb | 200-907 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Architeuthis dux
Lifespan
2-5 years

Drawings include:
Giant Squid floating elevation, swimming

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Mimic Octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Mimic Octopus compared to other cephalopods

The Mimic Octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus) is a small cephalopod with small horns that extend from each eye. Naturally it has a light brown color, but once it feels threatened it mimics the appearance of other poisonous creatures to scare off any potential predators. It is able to contort itself into various shapes as it does not have a rigid skeleton. The ability to impersonate various aquatic animals is what gave it its name. The Mimic Octopus is native to the Indo-Pacific Ocean and lives in shallow waters. Mimic Octopuses are carnivorous and their diet is made up of mostly small fish, crabs, worms and crustaceans.

The Mimic Octopus has an overall length between 23.6”-27.6” (60-70 cm), mantle length of 2”-2.4” (5-6 cm), and weight of 5-20 lb (2.3-9.1 kg). The typical lifespan of the Mimic Octopus is between 9 months and 2 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Mimic Octopus
The Mimic Octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus) is a small cephalopod with small horns that extend from each eye. Naturally it has a light brown color, but once it feels threatened it mimics the appearance of other poisonous creatures to scare off any potential predators.

The Mimic Octopus has an overall length between 23.6”-27.6” (60-70 cm), mantle length of 2”-2.4” (5-6 cm), and weight of 5-20 lb (2.3-9.1 kg). The typical lifespan of the Mimic Octopus is between 9 months and 2 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Mimic Octopus
Mimic Octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus)
Height:
Width:
Length:
23.6”-27.6” | 60-70 cm
Depth:
Weight:
5-20 lb | 2.3-9.1 kg
Area:

Mantle Length: 2”-2.4” | 5-6 cm

Scientific Name
Thaumoctopus mimicus
Lifespan
.75-2 years

Drawings include:

Mimic Octopus side elevation, front

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