scubaseason

Common Octopus

Octopus vulgaris

Sighting evidence at Cíes Islands, Galicia

Common Octopus

Photo: Susanne Spindler · CC BY-NC-ND

The nutrient-rich Galician upwelling system supports exceptionally large common octopus, and the Cíes Islands' rocky reef is prime territory — dens are visible at almost every dive site. Octopus are central to the local economy as well as the ecosystem, which gives them cultural significance alongside their ecological role as keystone predators of crabs and bivalves.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Common Octopus is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

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.

Also seen at other sites