Types of Octopus in Maryland
While octopuses are rare in Maryland's cooler waters, the Atlantic octopus (Octopus vulgaris) is the species you are most likely to encounter along the coast. Start your search near rocky jetties and shipwrecks in the lower Chesapeake Bay or offshore canyons.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 7, 2026.
Maryland has one main kind of octopus. Below are the related species here that people most often mistake for it.
While octopuses are rare in Maryland's cooler waters, the Atlantic octopus (Octopus vulgaris) is the species you are most likely to encounter along the coast. Start your search near rocky jetties and shipwrecks in the lower Chesapeake Bay or offshore canyons.
1. What Are the Most Common Octopus Species in Maryland?
The Atlantic octopus (Octopus vulgaris) is the primary species found off Maryland's coast, especially in deeper waters past the surf zone. You might also hear about the longarm octopus (Macrotritopus defilippi), but its sightings here are rare. Stick with the Atlantic species as your starting point.
In Maryland, octopuses sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
2. How Can You Tell Apart the Different Octopus Types in Maryland?
Start with color and texture. The Atlantic octopus ranges from grayish brown to reddish, with smooth skin that can become bumpy when alarmed. Its arms are about three times its body length. In contrast, the longarm octopus has longer, slender arms and tends toward a pale brown. Size helps too: Atlantic octopuses reach about 3 feet across, while longarms stay smaller.
3. Where and When Are You Most Likely to See Each Type?
Your best odds for seeing an Atlantic octopus are in summer and early fall, when water warms. Head to theChesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnelarea or offshore wrecks like the *Relief* near Ocean City. Longarm octopuses are sometimes spotted in seagrass beds south of the state line, but consider them a bonus, not a target.
See ourOctopuses typesfor the next step.
4. What Are the Key Identification Features of the Atlantic Octopus in Maryland?
Focus on the double row of suckers on each arm and the distinct, slightly flattened body. When disturbed, it can flash dark patches on its skin. A true ID comes from the gill count (seven to nine on each side) and the lack of a specific color pattern. Most sightings in Maryland are of young individuals, which are easier to mistake for other species.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. Where to Look for Octopuses Along the Maryland Coast
Start with the cool, deep waters of theWilmington and Baltimore canyons(about 60 miles offshore). Closer in, try the rock piles near the Point Lookout jetty or the artificial reefs off Assateague. Night dives on these structures can reveal octopuses hunting small crabs. Always check local regulations before collecting or handling.
6. What Gear Helps With Octopus Spotting in Maryland?
A good dive light with red filter (so you don't spook them) and a small underwater camera help you record sightings. For land-based scouting, polarized sunglasses cut the glare on shallow reefs. Check ourwildlife tote bagsto carry your field guides and snacks during a day out.
7. Octopus-Themed Apparel and Gear for Maryland Wildlife Fans
Octopus Kraken T-Shirt
A rugged graphic tee that works for fieldwork or casual wear. 100% preshrunk cotton, durable double-needle hems.Check Price and Availability
Reading Octopus Bubble-free Stickers
Add a playful touch to your laptop or water bottle. Bubble-free vinyl, easy to apply.Check Price and Availability
Octopus As Student T-Shirt with A Backpack and Apple
A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability
8. Frequently Asked Questions About Octopuses in Maryland
**How deep do octopuses live in Maryland waters?** Most Atlantic octopuses stay between 50 and 200 feet deep, but juveniles can come shallower at night.
**Are Maryland octopuses dangerous?** No. They are shy and will avoid you. Bites are extremely rare and usually result from handling them roughly.
**Can you keep an octopus as a pet in Maryland?** Yes, but you need a saltwater aquarium and a permit for some species. Check the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
**What do octopuses eat in the Chesapeake?** Small crabs, clams, and fish. They are smart hunters, often prying open shells with their arms.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions
1. What Are the Most Common Octopus Species in Maryland?+
The Atlantic octopus (Octopus vulgaris) is the primary species found off Maryland's coast, especially in deeper waters past the surf zone. You might also hear about the longarm octopus (Macrotritopus defilippi), but its sightings here are rare. Stick with the Atlantic species as your starting point. In Maryland, octopuses sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
2. How Can You Tell Apart the Different Octopus Types in Maryland?+
Start with color and texture. The Atlantic octopus ranges from grayish brown to reddish, with smooth skin that can become bumpy when alarmed. Its arms are about three times its body length. In contrast, the longarm octopus has longer, slender arms and tends toward a pale brown. Size helps too: Atlantic octopuses reach about 3 feet across, while longarms stay smaller.
3. Where and When Are You Most Likely to See Each Type?+
Your best odds for seeing an Atlantic octopus are in summer and early fall, when water warms. Head to theChesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnelarea or offshore wrecks like the *Relief* near Ocean City. Longarm octopuses are sometimes spotted in seagrass beds south of the state line, but consider them a bonus, not a target. See ourOctopuses typesfor the next step.
4. What Are the Key Identification Features of the Atlantic Octopus in Maryland?+
Focus on the double row of suckers on each arm and the distinct, slightly flattened body. When disturbed, it can flash dark patches on its skin. A true ID comes from the gill count (seven to nine on each side) and the lack of a specific color pattern. Most sightings in Maryland are of young individuals, which are easier to mistake for other species. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
6. What Gear Helps With Octopus Spotting in Maryland?+
A good dive light with red filter (so you don't spook them) and a small underwater camera help you record sightings. For land-based scouting, polarized sunglasses cut the glare on shallow reefs. Check ourwildlife tote bagsto carry your field guides and snacks during a day out.
Keep exploring
More places to see octopus
More wildlife in Maryland