Octopus | |
---|---|
Octopus vulgaris | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Mollusca |
Class: | Cephalopoda |
Order: | Octopoda |
Family: | Octopodidae |
Subfamily: | Octopodinae |
Genus: |
Octopus Cuvier, 1797 |
Species | |
Over 100, see text. |
Over 100, see text.
Octopus is the largest genus of octopuses, comprising more than 100 species. These species are widespread throughout the world's oceans. Many species formerly placed in the genus Octopus are now assigned to other genera within the family Octopodidae.
The word heritages from the greek number eight, "octo" (οχτώ) and "pous, podos" (πούς, ποδός) which means feet.
The species listed above with an asterisk (*) are questionable and need further study to determine if they are valid species or synonyms.