Opisthoteuthis agassizii

Opisthoteuthis agassizii is a lesser-known, deep-sea octopus first described in 1883 by Addison E. Verrill.

Like all cirrate octopuses, O. agassizii has fleshy fins to aid in swimming and a small internal shell. Males are up to four times heavier than females, and their suckers are proportionally larger. Both sexes are small.

This species is found in the north-west, and western Atlantic coasts, over depths of 277 to 1,935 meters (historic records from east Atlantic coasts were likely misidentifications with other Opisthoteuthis). Like other opisthoteuthids, they occupy the benthic zone, living on or near the seafloor.

These octopuses most likely prey on polychaete worms and crustaceans that live on or just above the seafloor.

All females of O. agassizii become sexually mature when they reach approximately 190 grams (6.7 ounces) and all males are sexually mature once they reach approximately 95 g (3.4 oz). However, both sexes continue to grow after they reach maturity.

While O.

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