Octopus

The octopus has eight tentacles that sometimes stretch 4.8 m across in a 45 kg specimen. The octopus is a mollusc that is related to the squid, oyster, clam and snail. The giant Pacific octopus is the major species on the west coast and also the world's largest. It is illegal to use jigs, gaffs, spears, rakes or any other sharp-pointed instrument to take octopus.

Taxonomy
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Cephalopoda
Order: Octopoda
Family: Octopodidae

Distribution
In rocky areas throughout BC coast.

Habitat
Establish dens in caves or rocky areas, or smaller individuals may dig dens in sand-shell substrates; inhabits deep water from February-April and August-October; females brood eggs on roof of dens; planktonic larvae until 50 mm length, then remain benthic.

Tidal Elevation
Subtidal, to a depth of over 100 m; inshore dens usually from 13-30 m.

Growth Rate
Sexually mature at 2-3 yr, males after 12 kg and females after 20 kg; at 1 yr weighs 1 kg and 12 kg after 1.5 yr. Length can be as long as 30 feet by full maturity.

Source: Fisheries and Oceans Canada