Little Octopus (Rossia spp.)

from $280.00
Quantity:

Live Little Octopus (Rossia spp.)
Please note this is a live marine specimen.

The Little Octopus (Rossia spp.) is a rare, cold-water cephalopod found among deepwater rock piles along the Gulf of Maine seafloor. Compact and tan in color, this small octopus species is known for its curious behavior, chromatophore color changes, and ability to bury itself in soft sediment when threatened. Its small size and manageable care requirements make it an exceptional specimen for marine biology study, cephalopod research, and advanced aquarium displays.

Collected sustainably by dive or sampling dredge, each specimen is handled with care to preserve its delicate anatomy and ensure safe arrival for scientific or educational use.

Key Facts:
Common name: Little octopus
Scientific name: Rossia spp.
Locations: Deepwater rock piles
Seasonality: Available year round
Colors: Tan
Size: 2” – 3”
Collected: By dive or sampling dredge
Quantity: Sold by the each
Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected. If you would like any specimen preserved, please send a request to: info@gulfofme.com.

Live Little Octopus (Rossia spp.)
Please note this is a live marine specimen.

The Little Octopus (Rossia spp.) is a rare, cold-water cephalopod found among deepwater rock piles along the Gulf of Maine seafloor. Compact and tan in color, this small octopus species is known for its curious behavior, chromatophore color changes, and ability to bury itself in soft sediment when threatened. Its small size and manageable care requirements make it an exceptional specimen for marine biology study, cephalopod research, and advanced aquarium displays.

Collected sustainably by dive or sampling dredge, each specimen is handled with care to preserve its delicate anatomy and ensure safe arrival for scientific or educational use.

Key Facts:
Common name: Little octopus
Scientific name: Rossia spp.
Locations: Deepwater rock piles
Seasonality: Available year round
Colors: Tan
Size: 2” – 3”
Collected: By dive or sampling dredge
Quantity: Sold by the each
Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected. If you would like any specimen preserved, please send a request to: info@gulfofme.com.

Tidepool Tim says,  “A number of years back we were able to source some of these octopuses from a local scallop dragger.  He said they were infrequently seen and only when they were towing their dredges in very deep water.  We kept one of the little blue-eyed fellows for a few weeks in our aquarium and he was a delight to see and watch.  We fed him bits of sand shrimp and fish.  He would travel around the tank but was happy in his best spot, right by the tank inlet with fresh water pouring over him.  I suppose there are good populations of these in our bays, but catching them or finding them would be a problem.  They easily pass through the fisherman's sea urchin and scallop dredges and when diving they are so hidden by their coloration that unless they moved it would be hard to see them.”