Types of Octopus in New Hampshire
New Hampshire's cold coastal waters are home to a few octopus species. The most likely to encounter are the North Atlantic Octopus (Bathypolypus arcticus) and the Curled Octopus (Eledone cirrhosa). Sightings are rare but happen near rocky bottoms and in lobster traps.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 7, 2026.
New Hampshire has one main kind of octopus. Below are the related species here that people most often mistake for it.
New Hampshire's cold coastal waters are home to a few octopus species. The most likely to encounter are the North Atlantic Octopus (Bathypolypus arcticus) and the Curled Octopus (Eledone cirrhosa). Sightings are rare but happen near rocky bottoms and in lobster traps.
What octopus species are most common in New Hampshire?
The North Atlantic Octopus (Bathypolypus arcticus) is the most frequently reported species in New Hampshire waters. This deep-water octopus is typically found at depths over 100 meters. The Curled Octopus (Eledone cirrhosa) occasionally appears in shallower areas, especially among rocky reefs. Both species are relatively small, with arm spans under 50 cm.
In New Hampshire, 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.
How can you tell the difference between octopus species in New Hampshire?
Start with size and skin texture. The North Atlantic Octopus has a smooth, sack-like body with short arms, while the Curled Octopus features distinct curled arm tips and a more textured, warty skin. Coloration varies from pale gray to reddish brown. Check the eye shape: the North Atlantic Octopus has round pupils, whereas the Curled Octopus has crescent-shaped pupils.
Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around where in the state people usually notice them first, keep one backup area in mind, and use theanimal facts pageplustour planning ideasto compare what a realistic outing looks like in New Hampshire. If movement slows, stay longer at one promising spot, listen for calls or watch for edge movement, and reset around weather, light, water, or feeding changes instead of jumping to a totally new area too early.
Where and when should you look for octopuses in New Hampshire?
Your best odds are in late summer during low tide near rocky shores or around jetties. Snorkelers sometimes spot them in tidal pools, but most sightings come from lobster fishermen pulling traps from deeper water.Check the New Hampshire wildlife pagefor seasonal sighting reports. Focus on areas like the Isles of Shoals or the coast near Portsmouth.
See ourOctopuses typesfor the next step.
Are there any giant octopus species in New Hampshire?
No. The Giant Pacific Octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini) does not inhabit the Atlantic. The largest octopus you might see in New Hampshire is the North Atlantic Octopus, which rarely exceeds 1 meter in arm span. Any report of a large octopus is likely a misidentified squid or a fish.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How do octopus sightings compare to other New Hampshire wildlife?
Octopus sightings are far less common than spotting harbor seals or shorebirds. For a more accessible wildlife experience, explore ouroctopus animal hubfor general identification tips, then compare withother New Hampshire marine life.
What gear do I need to spot octopuses in New Hampshire?
A mask and snorkel are essential for shallow water scouting. Use a waterproof flashlight for under rocks. For deeper areas, a GoPro or underwater camera can capture quick shots. Bring a field journal to note arm patterns and color changes for later identification.
Where can I find octopus-themed apparel and accessories?
Octopus Kraken T-Shirt
A bold design for anyone who loves these eight-armed animals. Soft cotton and built to last.Check Price and Availability
Reading Octopus, tea, coffee and books gift T-Shirt Bubble-free stickers
Perfect for decorating your gear or notebook. High-quality waterproof vinyl.Check Price and Availability
Octopus As Student T-Shirt with A Backpack and Apple
A playful option for teachers or students. Comfortable and machine washable.Check Price and Availability
Looking for something different? Compare ourwildlife tote bagsfor a practical carryall.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions
What octopus species are most common in New Hampshire?+
The North Atlantic Octopus (Bathypolypus arcticus) is the most frequently reported species in New Hampshire waters. This deep-water octopus is typically found at depths over 100 meters. The Curled Octopus (Eledone cirrhosa) occasionally appears in shallower areas, especially among rocky reefs. Both species are relatively small, with arm spans under 50 cm. In New Hampshire, 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.
How can you tell the difference between octopus species in New Hampshire?+
Start with size and skin texture. The North Atlantic Octopus has a smooth, sack-like body with short arms, while the Curled Octopus features distinct curled arm tips and a more textured, warty skin. Coloration varies from pale gray to reddish brown. Check the eye shape: the North Atlantic Octopus has round pupils, whereas the Curled Octopus has crescent-shaped pupils. Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around where in the state people usually notice them first, keep one backup area in mind, and use theanimal facts pageplustour planning ideasto compare what a realistic outing looks like in New Hampshire. If movement slows, stay longer at one promising spot, listen for calls or watch for edge movement, and reset around weather, light, water, or feeding changes instead of jumping to a totally new area too early.
Where and when should you look for octopuses in New Hampshire?+
Your best odds are in late summer during low tide near rocky shores or around jetties. Snorkelers sometimes spot them in tidal pools, but most sightings come from lobster fishermen pulling traps from deeper water.Check the New Hampshire wildlife pagefor seasonal sighting reports. Focus on areas like the Isles of Shoals or the coast near Portsmouth. See ourOctopuses typesfor the next step.
Are there any giant octopus species in New Hampshire?+
No. The Giant Pacific Octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini) does not inhabit the Atlantic. The largest octopus you might see in New Hampshire is the North Atlantic Octopus, which rarely exceeds 1 meter in arm span. Any report of a large octopus is likely a misidentified squid or a fish. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How do octopus sightings compare to other New Hampshire wildlife?+
Octopus sightings are far less common than spotting harbor seals or shorebirds. For a more accessible wildlife experience, explore ouroctopus animal hubfor general identification tips, then compare withother New Hampshire marine life.
What gear do I need to spot octopuses in New Hampshire?+
A mask and snorkel are essential for shallow water scouting. Use a waterproof flashlight for under rocks. For deeper areas, a GoPro or underwater camera can capture quick shots. Bring a field journal to note arm patterns and color changes for later identification.
Where can I find octopus-themed apparel and accessories?+
### Octopus Kraken T-Shirt A bold design for anyone who loves these eight-armed animals. Soft cotton and built to last.Check Price and Availability ### Reading Octopus, tea, coffee and books gift T-Shirt Bubble-free stickers Perfect for decorating your gear or notebook. High-quality waterproof vinyl.Check Price and Availability ### Octopus As Student T-Shirt with A Backpack and Apple A playful option for teachers or students. Comfortable and machine washable.Check Price and Availability Looking for something different? Compare ourwildlife tote bagsfor a practical carryall. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Keep exploring
More places to see octopus
More wildlife in New Hampshire