According to Two Oceans: A guide to the Marine Life of Southern Africa (Struik, 2007), the common octopus lives at depths of up to 200m and feeds on crabs, shellfish and rock lobsters. It is the most studied species of octopus, as it is distributed worldwide. Using long tentacles studded with suckers, they catch their prey with great speed and accuracy. A strong beak, similar to that of a parrot, is used to tear their prey. The common octopus lives in crevices and holes and is fiercely territorial. Octopuses have very short lifespans – the common octopus may only live to two or three years when its arms approach about a metre in length.
SASSI status – Orange (think twice before purchasing)
As intelligent as a domestic cat
If its eye can fit through a hole,
its body can fit
Extremely territorial