Scientific name: Octopus tetricus

Home is where the heart is 

The gloomy octopus is a truly unique and complex creature. You might think that all octopuses in the wild explore vast stretches of the ocean; however the gloomy octopus is non-migratory and inhabits a small ‘home-range’ in the wild.  In other words, it doesn’t like to travel and is fond of its neighbourhood.

A cosy cottage for one, thanks

Furthermore, it is highly territorial and does not often move far from its den. By nature, it chooses to inhabit small caves in reefs or intertidal plains that it can easily defend, only leaving to hunt for food. The Gloomy octopus exhibit at AQWA is over 1,500 litres and is designed with options for dens, hideaways and not too many nosy neighbours!

NO room for rent

They’re also not a fan of roommates! The gloomy octopus lives a solitary life and does not want to share its cave with anyone else, which is why they often choose the smallest sized cave possible to squeeze into. While they will tolerate polite and helpful fish nearby (such as the Breaksea-cod, which is often housed with AQWA’s gloomy), but they will actively chase away other octopuses. That is, unless its time to mate!

Cautious
Although very inquisitive, they are also cautious, solitary, wary and nervous animal (with a lot of natural predators!).

Did you know
Due to the gloomy octopuses high intelligence, AQWA’s aquarists dedicate time interacting with the octopus in our care, to keep it mentally stimulated, a practice known as species behavioural enrichment.

Fast facts:

Size: maximum body size of 60-80cm
Diet: Crabs, lobsters and small fish
Main predator: Large fish, fur seals, dolphins
Habitat: small caves in reefs
Found: Subtropical Australia and northern New Zealand