About World Octopus Day

How long until World Octopus Day?

World Octopus Day .

Dates of World Octopus Day

2027 United Kingdom Friday, October 8thWorld Octopus Day

2026 United Kingdom Thursday, October 8thWorld Octopus Day

2025 United Kingdom Wednesday, October 8thWorld Octopus Day

2024 United Kingdom Tuesday, October 8thWorld Octopus Day

2023 United Kingdom Sunday, October 8thWorld Octopus Day

Summary

Find out the dates, history and traditions of World Octopus Day

World Octopus Day in other countries

World Octopus Day internationally

These amazing creatures deserve a day, and given the name, it was always going to be in 'Oct'ober. World Octopus Day began in 2006.

An unofficial observance dedicated to one of the most intelligent and unusual invertebrates on the planet. The date was not chosen by chance: the English name for October derives from the Latin word "octo," meaning eight, which echoes the eight limbs of cephalopods.

The purpose of the day is to spread scientific knowledge about the unique biology of octopuses and their ability to learn and camouflage themselves.

Octopuses are ocean creatures famous for having eight arms and bulbous heads. Some other fun facts: They have three hearts and blue blood; they squirt ink to deter predators; and being boneless, they can squeeze into (or out of) tight spaces. They are very intelligent and have been observed using tools.

Giant Pacific octopuses are the world’s largest species and are found from Japan to Southern California. The biggest recorded specimen had an arm span of 10 metres (33ft) and weighed 270kgs (600lbs).

As well as being the largest, the giant Pacific is among the cleverest members of the cephalopod family. They also mature incredibly quickly – going from the size of a rice grain at birth to being fully grown within the space of just two years.