A Museum member spotted this little Atlantic Pygmy Octopus on Sanibel today. If you ever come across an octopus on the shoreline, it’s best to refrain from touching it, as it may bite if it feels threatened. Learn more about octopuses during the Museum’s daily 11am Keeper Chats! | Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium

This little guy is so cute . The Atlantic pygmy octopus is a reddish orange in color which is caused by pigmented cells called chromatophores that are common in many animals .They are capable of becoming a dark, light shade ranging from brown to orange. As hatchlings, their chromatophores can also appear yellow. The pygmy octopus is found in warm temperate to tropical waters of the Atlantic. We seen these creatures often.Mother Nature never disappoints.🐙 🐚 Come shell with us let us help you fi

This little guy is on the move. The Atlantic pygmy octopus is a reddish orange in color which is caused by pigmented cells called chromatophores that are common in many animals .They are capable of becoming a dark, light shade ranging from brown to orange. As hatchlings, their chromatophores can also appear yellow. The pygmy octopus is found in warm temperate to tropical waters of the Atlantic. We seen these creatures often.Mother Nature never disappoints. 🐚 Come shell with us let us help you f

This little guy is on the move. The Atlantic pygmy octopus is a reddish orange in color which is caused by pigmented cells called chromatophores that are common in many animals .They are capable of becoming a dark, light shade ranging from brown to orange. As hatchlings, their chromatophores can also appear yellow. The pygmy octopus is found in warm temperate to tropical waters of the Atlantic. We seen these creatures often.Mother Nature never disappoints. 🐚 Come shell with us let us help you f

Did you know that we have octopus in Tampa Bay? Our Estuary EDventures at Tampa Bay Watch team spotted this little one in the bay during a recent summer camp session. The Atlantic Pygmy Octopus grows to a maximum of five to six inches including their eight legs. They don't live longer than eight months. It has excellent eyesight and can see a diver in the water before the diver can see the octopus! They tend to remain in fairly shallow water at or near the low tide line, areas that usually have