Description: This octopus is the most commonly seen species around Northern Ireland, rather than the Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris). It reaches around 50 cm and is usually an orange-red to red-brown but can change colour to match surroundings. Their skin is covered with small, fine granulations and some larger warts. Each arm is thin and tapering, and has a single row of suckers. When they are at rest the tips of the arms are usually curled, giving this species its common name of 'Curled Octopus.'

Habitat: Found from the lower shore down to considerable depth. Can usually be found in rocky areas or mixed sediment with boulders and cobbles.

Distribution: Found all around Britain and Ireland.

Similar Species: Could potentially be confused with the Common Octopus Octopus vulgaris but it is much larger and has two rows of suckers on each arm.

Key Identification Features:

• Up to 50 cm.
• Single row of suckers.
• Tips of arms usually curled when at rest.

Distribution Map from NBN: Eledone cirrhosa at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Eledone cirrhosa at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Eledone cirrhosa

WoRMS: Eledone cirrhosa at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Eledone cirrhosa (Lamarck, 1798). AphiaID: 140600.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Mollusca; Cephalopoda; Coleoidea; Octopodiformes; Octopoda; Incirrata; Octopodoidea; Eledonidae; Eledone