Octopus briareus

The Caribbean Reef Octopus is known for their vibrant skin that will quickly change from an iridescent blue-green, to smooth orange, to textured brown as they glide across their surroundings. This helps to camouflage themselves from predators (sharks, rays, eels) and also to hunt at night for meals of small crabs, fish, and lobsters. In an aquarium setting, Caribbean Reef Octopus will readily accept thawed whole shrimp, silversides, and other large, meaty offerings. They are incredibly intelligent and must be kept in an aquarium home with a tight-fitting and secured lid. The maximum size of a Caribbean Reef Octopus is around 22” arm to arm. From birth, they reach full adult size in about 5 months.