Fish
Molluscs
Octopus (Octopus species)
Description
An octopus is a cephalopod mollusc (cephalopod meaning 'head foot') thus members of this species have their arms connected to their head, not their body. An octopus has eight arms with suckers, no tentacles and no shell. Octopuses have a very advanced nervous system and are active hunters, using their strong beak and excellent eyesight to catch prey.
Habitat
Octopuses are found in shallow waters to depths of 300m around Australia. They prefer to be among muddy, sandy or reefy bottoms, where they can bury.
Remarks
Martin's Seafoods supplies baby octopus from Coffin Bay in South Australia. Octopus can either be grilled or braised. Grilling should be done on a high heat and cooked quickly and braising should be done on low heat and cooked for a long time. When cooked, octopus is firm with a delicate flavour.
