Octopus (genus)
| Octopus | |
|---|---|
| Octopus vulgaris | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Cephalopoda |
| Order: | Octopoda |
| Family: | Octopodidae |
| Subfamily: | Octopodinae |
| Genus: | Octopus Cuvier, 1797 |
| Type species | |
| Octopus vulgaris Cuvier, 1797 | |
| Species | |
|
Over 100, see text. | |
Octopus is the largest genus of octopuses, comprising about 100 species. These species are widespread throughout the world's oceans. Many species formerly placed in the genus Octopus are now assigned to other genera within the family. The octopus has 8 arms, averaging 20 cm (8 in) long for an adult.