Flapjack octopus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Flapjack octopus |
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Opisthoteuthis californiana, also known as the flapjack octopus or adorabilis, is a species of umbrella octopus.
Description
The flapjack octopus usually appear dark red. They have fins above their eyes, similar to those found on some species of squid. Their maximum size is 20 centimetres (7.9 in) mantle length. They have eight jointed legs which are affixed together in an umbrella shape. They have a gelatinous body, which spreads into a parachute shape when maneuvering through dimly lit water. The flapjack preys on small fishes and planktonic crustaceans. They swim by moving their fins, pulsing their webbed arms, pushing water through their funnel for jet propulsion, or all three at once. Their depth range is: Para-larvae 200 metres (660 ft), adults 500–1,500 metres (1,600–4,900 ft).
Distribution
This species has been reported off Eureka Bar, California, at 350 metres (1,150 ft). It is also known from Japan, off Kashima-Nada, at 530–560 metres (1,740–1,840 ft). Nesis (1982/87) reports it from the Bering Sea to the Sea of Okhotsk to off central Honshū.
Reproduction
The female gender of the Opisthoteuthis californiana produces and hatches around 200-500 eggs. The male gender of the flapjack octopus would perform different kinds of rituals to attract the females. Once the eggs hatch, the hatchlings stay around with their mother for a brief period of time before they are old enough to grow to the benthic stage and survive by itself.
Classification
The Opisthoteuthis californiana is one of 14 species in the genus Opisthoteuthis. These species are also collectively known as the flapjack devilfishes.
Species of Opisthoteuthis are the most compressed, in the anterior-posterior axis, of any cephalopod. This flattened appearance gives them the common name of flapjack or pancake devilfish. Species are thought to be primarily benthic although they are capable of swimming and in some species the swimming may be an important component of their pouncing on minute prey. As in other cirrates, most species are poorly known.
Diet
The Flapjack Octopus feeds on small fish, planktons, crustaceans, and worms.
These octopuses are quite capable of hunting and killing their prey. They do so by pouncing on their prey and killing them with their beaks. They are known as the flapjack octopus because they compress themselves, appearing more flattened, therefore acting non-hostile to their prey. Using this technique, they are able to hunt their prey.
Against predators, they hide through crevices and under rocks.
Related pages
See also
In Spanish: Opisthoteuthis californiana para niños
