Name this octopus please

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WinfieldNC

Contributor
Messages
251
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Location
Apex, NC
# of dives
500 - 999
I came across this octopus off the coast of NC last week. We were on a wreck (the John D. Gill) 25 miles offshore in approximately 85 feet of water. @Steve_C pointed out that it may not be the Common octopus (Octopus vulgaris). The false eye spots are very pronounced. From what I see from a little Googling the Two-spot octopus is only on the west coast. Any thoughts? Please see pictures and video below.


DSCI4919-1 (2).JPG
DSCI4920 (1).JPG
 
I'd call it Molly.
 
Such a vulgar name.
 
How large was the octopus? While there is indeed a Pacific species called Two-Spot, there is also an Atlantic species, Octopus filosusi, commonly referred to as the Caribbean Two-Spot Octopus. O. filosusi does not usually appear much farther north than Florida, but while they are very intelligent animals, there are individuals with a poor sense of direction, or perhaps a bit of wander lust. Molly though is a fine name.
 
How large was the octopus? While there is indeed a Pacific species called Two-Spot, there is also an Atlantic species, Octopus filosusi, commonly referred to as the Caribbean Two-Spot Octopus. O. filosusi does not usually appear much farther north than Florida, but while they are very intelligent animals, there are individuals with a poor sense of direction, or perhaps a bit of wander lust. Molly though is a fine name.
A little larger than a softball.
 
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