Day Octopus
Octopus cyanea
The most intelligent invertebrate on the reef. Watch one for ten minutes and you'll see why divers fall in love with cephalopods.
- Size
- 30–100 cm
- Depth
- 1–30 m
- Sighting odds
- occasional
- IUCN status
- LC
About this species
Day octopuses are diurnal hunters — unlike most octopus species, they're active in daylight, prowling reefs for crabs and shellfish. They change colour and texture instantly to match their surroundings, and many divers swim straight past one without seeing it.
Fun facts
- Have nine brains — one central, one in each arm
- Can solve puzzles and recognise individual humans
- Camouflage so good they can mimic a flat patch of sand
- Live only 1-2 years
Best sites for this species
Abu Hashish Lagoon
A protected sandy lagoon inside the Abu Hashish reef system — flat, calm, and packed with critters. Our favourite spot for buoyancy training and macro photography.
Erg Abu Ramada
An iconic offshore pinnacle rising from 30 m to within 4 m of the surface. Three towers connected by saddles, festooned in soft coral and patrolled by big fish.
Fort Arabesque House Reef
A gem of a shore-accessible house reef in Makadi Bay. Walk in from the beach, descend over a sloping garden, and find a thriving coral wall ten metres from your towel.
Ras Abdalla
A quiet point dive south of Hurghada with excellent macro life — ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, and the occasional seahorse hide in the seagrass beds.
Want to dive with day octopus?
Tell us when you're coming and we'll plan a dive that maximises your chances.