Octopus Biology and Ecology describes important aspects of the lives of these fascinating animals, including their origin, biogeography, life history, distribution, behaviour, migratory patterns, diet, predators, and parasites. The emphasis is on species in highly variable coastal environments and includes a discussion of the potential threats and unexpected benefits of our changing climate and oceans. Detailed accounts, with many wonderful images in colour, are provided for each of the 21 species selected from around the world, each of which is described by local experts. The final chapter provides a detailed breakdown of research on octopuses and the topic areas in which this field is likely to expand in the future, recognizing in particular the growing importance of research into the effects of global changes. As well as climate change, key areas covered include behaviour and cognition, iEcology and citizen science, bio-robotics, deep-sea research, and culture and welfare.
Octopus Biology and Ecology is a veritable mine of information for professional marine biologists and students alike. Octopuses are rapidly becoming a more widely exploited source of protein for human consumption, so it is important that information about their biology and ecology is available to help ensure that their exploitation will be sustainable. This book is therefore essential reading for fishery and aquaculture scientists, conservationists, and resource managers.
Octopus Biology and Ecology is a veritable mine of information for professional marine biologists and students alike. Octopuses are rapidly becoming a more widely exploited source of protein for human consumption, so it is important that information about their biology and ecology is available to help ensure that their exploitation will be sustainable. This book is therefore essential reading for fishery and aquaculture scientists, conservationists, and resource managers.
Table of Contents
Part I Introduction1. Origin and diversification of octopuses
2. Global biodiversity and biogeography of coastal octopuses
Part II Species account
3. Octopus bimaculatus, California two-spotted octopus
4. Octopus bimaculoides, Lesser two-spotted octopus
5. Octopus cyanea, day octopus
6. Octopus insularis, stout reef octopus
7. Octopus maya, the Mayan octopus
8. Octopus mimus, the Changos’ octopus
9. ‘Octopus’ minor, long-armed octopus
10. ‘Octopus’ tehuelchus, small Patagonian octopus
11. Octopus tetricus, gloomy octopus
12. Octopus djinda, the western rock octopus
13. Octopus vulgaris, the common octopus
14. Abdopus aculeatus, the prickly octopus
15. Amphioctopus aegina, the sandbird octopus
16. Amphioctopus fangsiao, the two-gold-ring octopus
17. Hapalochlaena lunulata, greater blue-ringed octopus
18. ‘Octopus’ parvus, bean octopus
19. Eledone cirrhosa, horned octopus
20. Graneledone pacifica pacific warty octopus
21. Enteroctopus dofleini, giant Pacific octopus
22. Enteroctopus megalocyathus, Patagonian red octopus
Part III Conclusions
23. Past, present, and future trends in octopus research
