Common octopus
Octopus vulgaris
Sighting evidence at Mesa Pigadia, Santorini
Photo: Susanne Spindler · CC BY-NC-ND
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
No confirmed records on file at this site
Common octopus is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.