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An octopus (pl.: octopuses or octopodes [a]) is a soft-bodied, eight-limbed mollusc of the order Octopoda (/ ɒ k ˈ t ɒ p ə d ə /, ok-TOP-ə-də [3]).The order consists of some 300 species and is grouped within the class Cephalopoda with squids, cuttlefish, and nautiloids.
Cephalopod limbs bear numerous suckers along their ventral surface as in octopus, squid and cuttlefish arms and in clusters at the ends of the tentacles (if present), as in squid and cuttlefish. [9] Each sucker is usually circular and bowl-like and has two distinct parts: an outer shallow cavity called an infundibulum and a central hollow ...
Hectocotyli are shaped in many distinctive ways, and vary considerably between species. The shape of the tip of the hectocotylus has been much used in octopus systematics. Many coleoids lack hectocotyli altogether. [6] Among Decapodiformes (ten-limbed cephalopods), generally either one or both of arms IV are hectocotylized.
The internal anatomy is visible, including the paired siphons to the right. A siphon is an anatomical structure which is part of the body of aquatic molluscs in three classes: Gastropoda, Bivalvia and Cephalopoda (members of these classes include saltwater and freshwater snails, clams, octopus, squid and relatives).
The common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) is a mollusk belonging to the class Cephalopoda. Octopus vulgaris is one of the most studied of all octopus species, and also one of the most intelligent. It ranges from the eastern Atlantic, extends from the Mediterranean Sea and the southern coast of England , to the southern coast of South Africa.
The blue-ringed octopus's rings are a warning signal; this octopus is alarmed, and its bite can kill. [112] Some molluscs sting or bite, but deaths from mollusc venoms total less than 10% of those from jellyfish stings. [113] All octopuses are venomous, [114] but only a few species pose a significant threat to humans.
The two-part beak of the giant squid, Architeuthis sp. All living cephalopods have a two-part beak; [12]: 7 most have a radula, although it is reduced in most octopus and absent altogether in Spirula. [12]: 7 [98]: 110 They feed by capturing prey with their tentacles, drawing it into their mouth and taking bites from it. [25]
Octopus mating occurs through the use of the hectocotylus. The hectocotylus is a male body part which is inserted into the mantle of a female octopus. The hectocotylus then releases spermatophores into the oviducts. Eggs are fertilized upon exiting the oviducts.