The incredible abilities of octopuses never cease to amaze. These color-changing cephalopods can squeeze into tight spaces, problem-solve, and even edit their own genes! But when it comes to swimming speed, how fast can an octopus really move through the water?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: the average octopus can swim at speeds between 2-10 mph. However, in short bursts, some species like the Caribbean reef octopus can propel themselves up to 25 mph.
In this nearly 3,000 word guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about octopus swimming speeds, including:
– The anatomy that allows them to swim quickly
– Speed ranges for different octopus species
– How their speed compares to other marine animals
– The fastest octopus species
– What affects their swimming ability
– And more!
Octopus Anatomy and Movement
Arms
An octopus has eight muscular arms covered with suckers to grab onto surfaces. The arms do not have bones or rigid skeletons, allowing great flexibility to stretch, bend, twist and contort (😮). This versatility enables them to squeeze into tight spaces and use tools.
Their arms span up to 6 feet tip-to-tip in the Giant Pacific octopus!
Funnel
The funnel is like a siphon, located underneath the head, and used to expel water for jet propulsion. It can be maneuvered in different directions to control swimming movements. The funnel narrows into a small opening to increase the velocity of ejected water.
Jet Propulsion
Octopuses primarily swim through jet propulsion – by contracting mantle muscles to force water through their funnel in the opposite direction. This propels them swiftly like a rocket! 🚀 Combined with their flexible arms, they can shoot forwards, backwards, up, down and sideways.
Some species like the Caribbean reef octopus can jet up to 6-9 feet per second in short bursts. Their excellent maneuverability aids hunting and evading predators.
Swimming vs Crawling
Octopuses generally crawl across the seafloor using their suckered arms rather than swimming. Crawling allows better control and coordination in complex environments. But when needing a burst of speed, they switch to jet propulsion swimming.
According to Alaska Sea Grant statistics, at least 164 species of octopuses have been identified as swimmers, capable of powerful propulsion.
Useful references:
- https://www.asnailsodyssey.com/LEARNABOUT/OCTOPUS/swim.php
- https://seagrant.uaf.edu/marine-ed/mm/fieldguide/octopus.html
Swimming Speed Ranges for Different Species
Giant Pacific Octopus
The Giant Pacific Octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini) is considered the largest species of octopus. Adults can reach up to 16 feet in length and weigh up to 110 pounds. They inhabit the Pacific coast of North America, from California up to Alaska.
Although quite large, the Giant Pacific Octopus is actually a fairly slow swimmer. When not actively swimming, it can crawl along the seafloor at a speed of around 0.4-0.7 mph. But when escaping predators or hunting prey, they can propel themselves much faster in short bursts.
Their top swimming speed is estimated to be around 10-15 mph.
Caribbean Reef Octopus
The Caribbean Reef Octopus (Octopus briareus) is a smaller species found in coral reefs and shallow waters of the Caribbean Sea, as well as off the coasts of Florida and Bermuda. Adults reach up to 2 feet in length. When moving along the seafloor, the Caribbean Reef Octopus crawls at 0.3-0.6 mph.
But this species is quite athletic and can jet through the water rapidly to catch prey or escape predators. Its maximum swimming speed is approximately 6-10 mph.
Common Octopus
The Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) inhabits coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Adults average about 2 feet long. On the seafloor, they crawl slowly at 0.4-0.8 mph. But like other octopus species, the Common Octopus is capable of much higher speeds when swimming.
It can jet through the water in bursts reaching 4-8 mph.
California Two-Spot Octopus
The California Two-Spot Octopus (Octopus bimaculoides) is a small species found along the Pacific coast of North America, from Central California down into Mexico. Adults reach just 1 foot in length. When crawling, they move at 0.3-0.5 mph.
This octopus can swim quite fast to capture prey and escape predators, reaching speeds of approximately 3-5 mph.
Mimic Octopus
The Mimic Octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus) is found in tropical waters of Southeast Asia. It gets its name from its ability to imitate the appearance and behaviors of other sea creatures. It grows up to 2 feet long. On the seafloor, the Mimic Octopus crawls slowly at 0.3-0.6 mph.
When swimming, it can propel short distances of around 10 body lengths in 5 seconds, which equates to a speed of roughly 6 mph. So while not the fastest octopus, the Mimic Octopus has very impressive speed and agility thanks to is flexible body.
How Octopus Swimming Speed Compares to Other Marine Animals
Fish
When it comes to speed in the ocean, fish are often the champions. The sailfish is considered the fastest fish in the sea, capable of reaching speeds over 110 km/h (68 mph) in short bursts. In comparison, octopuses generally max out around 40 km/h (25 mph) for brief periods.
Other speedy fish include tuna, which can hit 72 km/h (45 mph), and swordfish that reach speeds around 97 km/h (60 mph). While octopuses are certainly fast swimmers compared to other invertebrates, most fish can outpace them over short and long distances.
Marine Mammals
Marine mammals like dolphins, whales, and seals are also faster swimmers than octopuses. The orca, for example, can reach 56 km/h (35 mph) when hunting, while bottlenose dolphins max out around 48 km/h (30 mph).
Even elephant seals that look slow and clumsy on land can move at speeds over 35 km/h (22 mph) in water. While octopuses are impressive jet-propelled invertebrates, their top speeds fall short of most marine mammals.
The jet propulsion of squid relatives like cuttlefish is also generally slower than marine vertebrates. So when it comes to racing in the ocean, smart mollusks like octopuses don’t stand a chance against speedy fish and mammals.
Other Cephalopods
Among their fellow cephalopods, octopuses are moderate but not the fastest swimmers. Squid relatives like cuttlefish reach speeds over 35 km/h (22 mph), outpacing even the fastest octopus species. The vampire squid, though it prefers to drift slowly, can jet upwards at 37 km/h (23 mph) when threatened.
But the real speed demons among cephalopods are squid, with some species rocketing up to speeds over 64 km/h (40 mph). The Caribbean reef squid, for instance, can hit speeds over 46 km/h (29 mph) with jet propulsion.
So while octopuses are respectable swimmers compared to other mollusks and invertebrates, many squid cousins leave them in their inky wake when it comes to all-out speed.
What Affects Octopus Swimming Ability
Size and Weight
An octopus’s size and weight greatly impact how fast it can swim. Larger octopuses with more muscle mass can generate more force and speed. The giant Pacific octopus, reaching up to 100 pounds, can propel itself rapidly to catch prey. Smaller octopuses under 10 pounds swim at more leisurely paces.
Interestingly, the paper nautilus with its light, papery shell can jet briskly too despite its humble size.
Water Temperature
Water temperature affects both octopus metabolism and muscle performance. Warmer waters boost an octopus’s metabolism, allowing swifter swimming. Colder waters make them more lethargic. Temperatures between 50-68°F suit most octopus species best for swimming.
The Antarctic octopus thrives in frigid polar waters below 30°F, but swims most actively at 40°F. Tropical octopuses fare better at high 70s to 80s°F. Clearly, water temperature significantly impacts octopus swim performance.
Predators and Prey
The presence of predators or prey also changes octopus swimming speeds. When hunting, octopuses can zap up to 25 body lengths per second chasing down tasty crabs and bivalves! Their excellent vision guides them toward unsuspecting prey.
Conversely, potential predators like eels, dolphins and sharks can spur octopuses into evasive bursts over 66 feet per minute. Powered by their strong survival instinct, prey or predator encounters provoke an octopus’s quickest swimming paces.
Age and Health
A healthy adult octopus swims fastest, while older, injured or ill ones swim slower. Newly hatched juveniles swim weakly as they develop coordination and strength. Peak athletic performance lasts throughout adulthood until old age decreases capacities.
The octopus lifespan rarely exceeds two years for most species in the wild. Laboratory observations found old giant Pacific octopuses tires easily, swims more deliberately and relies more on walking than swimming in decline.
Much like humans, age and health significantly impact an octopus’s swimming abilities. Regular activity keeps them nimbler as seniors!
The Fastest Octopus Species
Caribbean Reef Octopus
The Caribbean reef octopus is considered one of the fastest octopus species. They have been clocked swimming at speeds over 6 feet per second for short bursts to capture prey or evade predators (1). Their speed comes from their ability to fully envelop their body in water and jet quickly by contracting their mantle and funneling water through their siphon.
Caribbean reef octopuses inhabit tropical coral reefs and areas with lots of nooks to hide in. They are found throughout the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.
Common Octopus
Another fast swimming octopus is the common octopus. When hunting or evading threats, these cephalopods can reach speeds up to 10 feet per second. Their fast jet propulsion movement is aided by their soft sac-like bodies and flexible skeletons.
Common octopuses live in various areas of the ocean floor worldwide, including the Mediterranean, Pacific, and Atlantic. They can adapt their speeds based on the situation – slower for stalking prey or full speed burst to escape predators like dolphins and sharks in the open ocean (2).
California Two-Spot Octopus
While not as speedy over long distances as the previous two species, the California two-spot octopus is very agile over short spaces. They have been observed moving at speeds faster than most Olympic swimmers when darting into tight crevices in coral and rocks.
Their smaller size and specialized skin cells allow them to squeeze into incredibly tiny spaces. This nimble movement makes them adept hunters of small crustaceans like crabs, their preferred prey. As their name suggests, California two-spot octopuses live in the waters off the coast of California and Baja California.
When it comes to rapid movements, octopuses are among the quickest invertebrates. The speediest octopus species can propel themselves swiftly for short bursts to hunt and evade predators. Their flexible bodies and jet propulsion abilities allow them to achieve impressive speeds.
Conclusion
While octopuses may not be the speediest swimmers in the ocean, their impressive propulsion abilities allow them to capture prey, evade predators, and explore their aquatic environments. Understanding the differences between species gives us a fuller appreciation for these captivating cephalopods.
We hope this detailed guide answered your question on octopus swimming speeds. Let us know if you have any other questions about these fascinating mollusks!
