Types of Octopus in New York
New York's coastal waters host a few octopus species, most commonly the Atlantic longarm octopus, with occasional sightings of common octopus and lesser species. Start by checking rocky shores and inlets around Long Island and the New York Bight during warmer months.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 7, 2026.
New York has one main kind of octopus. Below are the related species here that people most often mistake for it.
New York's coastal waters host a few octopus species, most commonly the Atlantic longarm octopus, with occasional sightings of common octopus and lesser species. Start by checking rocky shores and inlets around Long Island and the New York Bight during warmer months.
What Are the Most Common Octopus Species in New York?
The most frequently encountered octopus in New York waters is the Atlantic longarm octopus (Octopus defilippi). You might also see the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) during warmer periods, but it is less common. Stick to the longarm if you want the best odds. For general identification techniques, visit our/animals/octopuspage.
In New York, 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 Identify the Atlantic Longarm Octopus?
The Atlantic longarm octopus has long, slender arms that can reach up to 20 inches. Its mantle is rounded and usually reddish brown with scattered white spots. Look for it in shallow weedy areas or under rocks. Compare with common octopus which has shorter, thicker arms and a more uniform brown color. Our/wildlife/new-york/octopus/typesguide covers more details.
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 York. 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 York?
Octopuses are most active from late spring through early fall when water temperatures rise above 55°F. Focus on the south shore of Long Island, especially around rocky jetties and eelgrass beds. The New York Bight offers the best chances. Dawn and dusk are prime times. Explore the/wildlife/new-yorkhub for more spotting tips.
What Other Octopus Species Might You Encounter in New York Waters?
Less common visitors include the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) and the giant Atlantic octopus (Octopus macropus). The common octopus occasionally wanders north in warm currents. The giant Atlantic is rare but has been reported off Montauk. These are harder to confirm and require careful identification.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How Do You Distinguish Between Similar Looking Octopus Species?
Pay attention to arm length, skin texture, and eye color. Longarm octopus has smooth skin and a distinct white stripe on the arm base. Common octopus has rough, warty skin and no stripe. Giant Atlantic has bright blue rings on its arms but be careful. Use a field guide or our/animals/octopusfor detailed visuals.
What Are the Best Locations for Octopus Sightings in New York?
Top spots include the rock jetties at Jones Beach, the eelgrass beds of Shinnecock Bay, and the waters around Fishers Island. Check tidal pools at low tide on the south shore. Always observe from a safe distance.
How Can You Keep the Memory of Your Octopus Sighting Alive?
If you want to take the memory home, Easy Street Markets offers octopus themed gear.
Octopus Kraken T-Shirt
This shirt features a kraken design that sparks conversation about octopus sightings.Check Price and Availability
Reading Octopus Sticker
A playful sticker for your notebook or gear to show your interest in octopus.Check Price and Availability
Octopus As Student T-Shirt
A fun design for anyone who has seen an octopus in the wild.Check Price and Availability
Also, compare wildlife-themed accessories on our/tote-bagspage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Octopuses in New York
**Are octopuses dangerous in New York?** No, the species found here are not aggressive and pose little threat. **Can you keep an octopus as a pet in New York?** It is legal but requires a specialized saltwater aquarium and permits. **What is the best time of year to see octopuses?** Late spring through early fall offers the highest chances. **Do octopuses live in the Hudson River?** They stay in saltwater, so only near the mouth of the estuary.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions
What Are the Most Common Octopus Species in New York?+
The most frequently encountered octopus in New York waters is the Atlantic longarm octopus (Octopus defilippi). You might also see the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) during warmer periods, but it is less common. Stick to the longarm if you want the best odds. For general identification techniques, visit our/animals/octopuspage. In New York, 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 Identify the Atlantic Longarm Octopus?+
The Atlantic longarm octopus has long, slender arms that can reach up to 20 inches. Its mantle is rounded and usually reddish brown with scattered white spots. Look for it in shallow weedy areas or under rocks. Compare with common octopus which has shorter, thicker arms and a more uniform brown color. Our/wildlife/new-york/octopus/typesguide covers more details. 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 York. 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 York?+
Octopuses are most active from late spring through early fall when water temperatures rise above 55°F. Focus on the south shore of Long Island, especially around rocky jetties and eelgrass beds. The New York Bight offers the best chances. Dawn and dusk are prime times. Explore the/wildlife/new-yorkhub for more spotting tips.
What Other Octopus Species Might You Encounter in New York Waters?+
Less common visitors include the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) and the giant Atlantic octopus (Octopus macropus). The common octopus occasionally wanders north in warm currents. The giant Atlantic is rare but has been reported off Montauk. These are harder to confirm and require careful identification. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How Do You Distinguish Between Similar Looking Octopus Species?+
Pay attention to arm length, skin texture, and eye color. Longarm octopus has smooth skin and a distinct white stripe on the arm base. Common octopus has rough, warty skin and no stripe. Giant Atlantic has bright blue rings on its arms but be careful. Use a field guide or our/animals/octopusfor detailed visuals.
What Are the Best Locations for Octopus Sightings in New York?+
Top spots include the rock jetties at Jones Beach, the eelgrass beds of Shinnecock Bay, and the waters around Fishers Island. Check tidal pools at low tide on the south shore. Always observe from a safe distance.
How Can You Keep the Memory of Your Octopus Sighting Alive?+
If you want to take the memory home, Easy Street Markets offers octopus themed gear. ### Octopus Kraken T-Shirt This shirt features a kraken design that sparks conversation about octopus sightings.Check Price and Availability ### Reading Octopus Sticker A playful sticker for your notebook or gear to show your interest in octopus.Check Price and Availability ### Octopus As Student T-Shirt A fun design for anyone who has seen an octopus in the wild.Check Price and Availability Also, compare wildlife-themed accessories on our/tote-bagspage.
Keep exploring
More places to see octopus
More wildlife in New York