Description
Common Day Octopus Octopus Cyanea
The day octopus, Octopus cyanea, is a large and common octopus found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, from eastern Africa to the Hawaiian Islands. This species is known for its exceptional camouflage abilities, able to rapidly change color and skin texture to blend into its surroundings. The day octopus is typically brown to reddish-brown in color, with dark blue circles on its skin. Unlike most octopus species that are nocturnal, the day octopus is active during daylight hours, primarily at dawn and dusk. As an opportunistic feeder, the day octopus preys on small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. It uses its tentacles to locate prey, then pounces, enveloping it with its arms and body webbing before injecting a paralyzing toxin. The day octopus typically returns to its lair, which is excavated in coral reefs or sand and rubble, to consume its prey. Due to their solitary and territorial nature, day octopuses are not recommended for community aquariums and should be kept alone. They have a relatively short lifespan of 12-15 months, reaching sexual maturity around 10-12 months. For optimal care, day octopuses require a well-oxygenated aquarium with a temperature range of 72-82°F (22-28°C) and a pH of 8.1-8.4. They need ample hiding places, such as rock crevices or PVC pipes, to feel secure. Experienced aquarists are recommended to keep this species, as they can be challenging due to their intelligence and escape tendencies.
The day octopus, Octopus cyanea, is a large and common octopus found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, from eastern Africa to the Hawaiian Islands. This species is known for its exceptional camouflage abilities, able to rapidly change color and skin texture to blend into its surroundings. The day octopus is typically brown to reddish-brown in color, with dark blue circles on its skin. Unlike most octopus species that are nocturnal, the day octopus is active during daylight hours, primarily at dawn and dusk. As an opportunistic feeder, the day octopus preys on small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. It uses its tentacles to locate prey, then pounces, enveloping it with its arms and body webbing before injecting a paralyzing toxin. The day octopus typically returns to its lair, which is excavated in coral reefs or sand and rubble, to consume its prey. Due to their solitary and territorial nature, day octopuses are not recommended for community aquariums and should be kept alone. They have a relatively short lifespan of 12-15 months, reaching sexual maturity around 10-12 months. For optimal care, day octopuses require a well-oxygenated aquarium with a temperature range of 72-82°F (22-28°C) and a pH of 8.1-8.4. They need ample hiding places, such as rock crevices or PVC pipes, to feel secure. Experienced aquarists are recommended to keep this species, as they can be challenging due to their intelligence and escape tendencies.
DX courier delivery is £20 per livestock order.
Delivery is scheduled for your selected delivery date and typically arrives before 1pm.
There is no minimum or maximum order value.
Additional information:
- In-stock livestock orders will be processed and dispatched for delivery on the date selected on the cart/basket page.
- Available delivery days are Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
- If any stock issues affect your chosen delivery date, we will contact you as soon as possible by email or telephone.
- Shipping for dry goods is charged separately from livestock delivery. Dry goods are dispatched according to our standard delivery policy.
- All livestock remains covered by our 7-day guarantee.

