Lesser Octopus (Eledone Moschata)

Latin name: Eledone moschata
Common name: Lesser octopus
Also known as: Musky octopus
In other languages: E: Pulpo almizclado, F: Eledone musquae, D: Moschuskrake
Class: Cephalopoda
Order: Octopoda
Family: Octopodidae
Genus: Eledone

Distribution: A benthic species found in coastal waters throughout the Mediterranean with the exception of the Black Sea.

Life Span: 15 to 24 months.

Habitat: Waters from 15 metres down to 90 metres.

Shape: Single row of suckers; fleshy mantel between each leg giving an overall webbed look to the tentacles.

Size: Common: 40 - 75cm, maximum: 90cm.

Protected under Gibraltar's Nature Protection Ordinance