I found this octopus today - the first I have ever seen. My friend and I picked it up, but I'm wondering if that was stupid. I know there is a dangerous one in Australia (blue ring), but we are in Southern California. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g144/Obediah2/Octopus3.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g144/Obediah2/Octopus2.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g144/Obediah2/Octopus5.jpg

Thank you,

Jake

You're right, there are no blue rings in Southern California.

The octopus could have bitten you, but it didn't and most of the time they don't. You don't know what species this is, but I'd guess it's an O. bimaculoides , a species we commonly keep in our tanks. Their coloring looks quite different out of the water.

It's not a good idea to pick up any species you can't identify. If you get bitten, you could have an allergic reaction (like people can with bee stings) or you might get an infection salt water getting in the wound.

Nancy

There's a clearly visible eye spot on the octo's sunlit left in pic #2, confirming Nancy's ID. Nice specimen!

Thanks guys - It's cool that a place like this exists on the internet where i can get a random ID in 20min. I'll be in touch if I see more.

-Jake

That's a monster bimac, too. We should plug this photo onto every thread where someone asks if they can put one in a 30 gallon tank.

And Ollie was even bigger than that!

Nancy

Awesome! Great pictures too. Where at in Southern Cali is that if I may ask?

I was in Palos Verdes near the Portuguese Bend Club. I like to look for snake above that area, but when I can't find any I head down to the tide pools below.

-Jake

Couldn't it be an O. bimaculatus?

That is a huge sucker. Looks fake in the pic where you're holding it.

awwwww... he kinda cute