Long-Arm Octopus

Macrotritopus defilippi

The long-arm octopus (Macrotritopus defilippi), also known as the Atlantic longarm octopus, is a small, sand-dwelling cephalopod found in the tropical western Atlantic. Adults reach a mantle length of 5-8 cm with disproportionately long, slender arms extending to 30 cm or more. They display a pale sandy coloration with the ability to change color and texture to match the substrate perfectly. They inhabit sandy and rubble bottoms at depths of 5-40 meters and are remarkable for their ability to mimic flatfish, flattening their body, tucking their arms, and swimming in a rapid, undulating motion along the sea floor that closely resembles a flounder. They can also burrow completely into sand in seconds, disappearing from view. They are nocturnal hunters feeding on small crustaceans and worms. Their exceptional camouflage and flounder-mimicry behavior make every encounter a memorable experience for divers exploring Caribbean sandy habitats, particularly during night dives.