Least Concern· population trend unknown· assessed 2018

Common octopus

Octopus vulgaris

Sighting evidence at Mesa Pigadia, Santorini

Photo: Roberto Pillon · CC BY-NC

The common octopus is among the most intelligent invertebrates on the planet, capable of solving puzzles, navigating mazes, and using tools. In the caldera it exploits the abundance of crevices in volcanic rock for denning, and preys heavily on Mediterranean shore crabs and bivalves. Individuals have been documented carrying coconut shell halves as portable shelters, a behaviour that meets the scientific definition of tool use.

Evidence at this site

1 record within 25 km

Confidence: low

Last confirmed Jul 2024

Seasonality

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How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Common octopus

Evidence at this site

Seasonality

Also seen at other sites