User:MariaKnott100/Gloomy Octopus

Octopus tetricus, otherwise known as the Common Sydney Octopus or Gloomy Octopus, is found along the coast of New South Whales, Australia, and some parts of New Zealand. It can be identified by its white eyes and reddish/brown underside, and can reach up to 2m in diameter. It feeds on crabs and mollosks, with each octopus establishing a hunting terratory which it patrols each night. During the day this species hides under rock shelters which it may physically alter, possibly to provide maximal protection from predators. In captivity, the spermatozoa can survive in the females for up to 114 days. After fertilization, eggs are then laid in chains wich reach about 10cm in length.

Hatching can occur at any time of day and the exact timing may be controlled by the mother as she squirts water over the brood to agitate them. From this point it can take anything up to 44 mins for the entire brood to hatch.