Types of Octopuses in Mississippi

1. What are the most common octopus species in Mississippi?

Two species dominate Mississippi waters: the Atlantic octopus (*Octopus vulgaris*) and the dwarf octopus (*Octopus mercatoris*). The Atlantic octopus grows larger (up to 3 feet arm span) and is found around artificial reefs and submerged structures. The dwarf octopus stays small (under 6 inches) and hides inside empty shells or crevices in oyster reefs. A third species, the Caribbean reef octopus (*Octopus briareus*), occasionally drifts in from the Gulf but is less common in Mississippi.

2. How can you tell the main octopus types apart without a guide?

Focus on size and skin texture. The Atlantic octopus is heavy-bodied with a mottled gray-brown color and two large eyespots (ocelli) on each side of its head. The dwarf octopus is much smaller, pale beige with tiny orange spots, and tends to curl its arms tightly when disturbed. The Caribbean reef octopus is bright blue-green with a warty skin and distinct white spots. If you see one at night with a glowing blue ring, it is not a native species stay back.

3. Where and when are you most likely to notice each type?

Atlantic octopuses are most often seen by divers near the artificial reefs off Hancock and Jackson Counties, especially in summer and fall. Dwarf octopuses are easier to spot during low tide around oyster reefs in the Mississippi Sound, particularly around Gulfport and Biloxi. Caribbean reef octopuses are rare but turn up after strong southeast winds push warm Gulf water into the barrier island passes. Timing: octopuses are nocturnal, so your best odds come from night wading or diving with a red light.

4. What habitats should you check for octopus in Mississippi?

Start with the Mississippi Sound's hard-bottom areas. Look for octopus dens under rocks, inside discarded crab traps, or among creosote pilings. The shallow grass flats around Horn Island produce dwarf octopus scat (small shell piles). For Atlantic octopus, target the deeper wrecks and reef balls 15 to 30 feet down. Avoid muddy bottoms octopuses prefer structure. Check out ouroctopus animal hubfor more on den identification.

See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

5. Are there any rare or seasonal octopus visitors?

Yes. The common blanket octopus (*Tremoctopus violaceus*) has been reported off the coast after hurricane passages, with females showing a striking purple mantle. The Atlantic longarm octopus (*Octopus defilippi*) sometimes appears in shrimp trawl bycatch. Neither is likely to be seen by casual beachcombers. For a full species breakdown, visit ourMississippi wildlife page.

6. How do you identify an octopus den in Mississippi waters?

Look for a small opening (2-4 inches) under a rock or shell, surrounded by a debris ring of crab legs, clam shells, and broken oyster shells. Active dens have a single narrow entrance often plugged with a piece of shell or a scallop. The species can sometimes be narrowed by the size of the entrance: larger holes (4+ inches) often belong to Atlantic octopus. See ouroctopus types pagefor a visual comparison.