What is the largest species of octopus?

The giant Pacific octopus is the largest recognized octopus species, with exceptional individuals weighing over 70 kilograms.

Its scientific name is Enteroctopus dofleini, and it lives in cold, nutrient-rich coastal waters around the North Pacific. Its range extends from Baja California and the western United States to Alaska, Russia, Japan, and the Korean Peninsula. It is especially associated with rocky reefs, caves, and seafloor habitats.

Most giant Pacific octopuses are far smaller than the legendary record animals, but they can still reach an arm span of several meters. Their eight arms are lined with powerful suckers that help them handle prey such as crabs, clams, fish, and other marine animals.

Historical stories describe octopuses weighing hundreds of kilograms, but many of those reports were never confirmed by both weighing and measuring the animal. The giant Pacific octopus is still the standard answer because it holds the best-supported overall size records. The seven-arm octopus is also large, but it is less consistently documented and is not the usual canonical answer.