Octopus is one of the most intelligent creatures that you can find n the ocean. They have a rich history for being intelligent as well. if you are interested in preparing any of the octopus’ dishes, you will get the interest to learn more about octopus. This is where you will need to understand how long octopus will live and the reasons for it. Keep on reading this article and we will help you to figure out the reasons for it.
How long does octopus live?
It is possible for you to discover more than 250 different octopus’ varieties out there in the world. The lifespan would slightly vary from one type of octopus to another. All the octopus are belonging into the cephalopod group. This is the same group as cuttlefish and squid as well. Therefore, you will be able to notice how octopus are showcasing outstanding intelligence and flexibilities. They also have amazing capabilities to camouflage and ensure their protection.
Regardless of all these unique qualities, octopus are not lucky enough to live longer lives. In most of the instances, the average lifespan of an octopus is restricted to around five years. There are numerous reasons for this relatively short lifespan of octopus as well. Keep on reading and you will figure out the reasons.
Beginnings of octopus
Abrolhosoctopus told us that octopus are born from eggs. As soon as octopus come out from the eggs, they will be orphans. That’s because octopus will have to ensure the survival on their own. During the early stages of life, octopus are paralarvae. Therefore, it is possible to see how the young octopus are getting swept away by the plankton clouds as well. They will continue to eat starfish and Laravel crabs. However, there is a high possibility for young octopus to be eaten by the other predators in sea. This can be considered as one of the biggest reasons on why octopus are having a relatively short life. In case if an octopus survives from these predators, it will be able to get through the paralarva stage. Then it will be able to get into the deep ocean as well.
Development of octopus
Along with age, octopus would swim deeper into the ocean. This is where they are experiencing a quick growth as well. According to the scientists, an octopus who goes through this stage will experience rapid development for around 5% daily. This will help them to reach the full body size.
Octopus are highly vulnerable until they become an adult. Even of there are thousands of hatched octopus eggs at a time, only around 2 to 3 octopus will be lucky enough to grow into adults. They will then continue to reproduce. It is also important to keep in mind that male octopus would reach their adulthood faster than female octopus. However, male octopus would still be too small to go ahead and mate.
Reproduction and adulthood
Octopus will usually reach their adulthood in around two years. This is where they will start reproducing. However, this would vary depending on the exact species of octopus as well. Usually, male octopus will look for multiple female partners for mating. However, male octopus will dry within few months of mating. This is the main reason why male octopus are living considerably shorter lives when compared to females. In other words, a male octopus will not usually be able to live for more than three years.
Female octopus will continue to carry their fertilized eggs, until they are released. When the female octopus are about to release their eggs, they will get into the den. At a given time, a female octopus would lay for around 100,000 eggs. Throughout the next few months, the female octopus will continue to provide protection to the eggs as well. This is where the female octopus will provide enhanced protection to the eggs. This can vary from two months to ten months. It varies from one octopus species to another.
During this time period, the female octopus would not usually consume any food. Hence, it would waste away. In fact, a female octopus would usually live to blow the eggs out of the den. Then the female octopus will be able to get the octopus eggs to break free.
Death of octopus
The overall lifespan of octopus would vary in between their reproduction, hatching, and other factors. This is not equal for all octopus species out there. It will var y from one octopus’ species to another.
In general, common octopus would usually live for around 2 to 3 years. However, giant octopus would usually live for around 2 to 3 years. If they don’t mate, they will be able to live for a period of up to five years.
The reason behind premature death of octopus
Now you must be wondering the reason behind premature death of octopus. The main reason why octopus are subjected to premature death is because of their sexual maturity. This would make octopus end their lives. The sexual maturity of octopus is making them end up with the breeding cycle. However, numerous studies have conducted in the recent past in order to decide whether octopus will live longer if their optic glands are removed or not. This might make them end up with extending the overall lifespan as well.
Some of the scientists have removed sexual organs of octopus and have checked whether they will live longer lives or not. However, these studies were not able to deliver any prominent results. That’s because the octopus are anyway going to release their sexual hormones, even if the sexual organs are removed. After that, octopus will never be able to process any nutrients or food. Hence, octopus will usually die because of starvation.
Now you know why octopus live shorter lives when compared to many other fish species available out there.
