Here's a quick guide to what sets octopus and squid apart
Listen to this article
•
15:34 min
What is the difference between octopus and squid?
Squids have a triangular head with eyes on the sides of their head. They have 8 tentacles and 2 long tentacles. Meanwhile octopus have a round head with eyes on the top of their head, having 8 arms overall. Squids may be found living in groups or be solitary whereas octopus are solitary creatures.
Do octopus and squid have any similarities?
Both octopus and squid are carnivores. Both are known to camouflage by changing colour and texture using specialised skin cells. They release ink clouds to escape predators. Both octopus and squid have three hearts.
Which is the largest octopus?
Giant Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini) is the largest octopus.
Which is the largest squid?
Giant squid (Architeuthis deux) is the largest squid.
Do octopus and squid hunt?
Octopus paralyse prey using toxic saliva and squid capture prey then tear it into small chunks with their beak.
About the Authors
Rachana Rao
is a marine biologist with Nature Conservation Foundation, working on seagrass species organization and community assembly in the meadows of the Andaman archipelago.
