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The eastern pacific octopus can be difficult to spot because it can darken and lighten its skin to camouflage with its environment. Octopuses can change color by means of special skin cells known as chromophores. Like the giant pacific octopus, east pacific red octopuses can sometimes be spotted by looking for a midden pile marking a den. East pacific red octopuses average about 3 - 5 ounces in weight and slightly over 1 foot in length. This small, solitary octopus can be found along the west coast of North America from California to Alaska, and is most commonly spotted in temperate waters of bays and estuaries. The east pacific red octopus, Octopus rubescens, looks like a miniature version of the giant pacific octopus.

While this may seem like great fun, having a mask or regulator pulled off could be dangerous, so divers would do well to exercise caution when interacting with a giant pacific octopus. The internet is awash with images of these playful animals suctioning onto diver's heads, arms, and even regulators. This creature is curious, and occasionally emerges from its lair to investigate and interact with divers, especially when treats are offered. Octopuses are highly intelligent creatures, and the giant pacific octopus is no exception. Divers can often locate a giant pacific octopus den by looking for discarded piles of shells, known as a midden pile, that the octopus tosses out after finishing a snack. The giant pacific octopus uses its poison to stun its prey before dragging it back to its den for a leisurely meal. Like all octopuses, the giant pacific octopus is venomous, but its venom is not dangerous to divers. These reddish-brown giants average about 60 - 80 lbs, and the largest reported specimen was an astonishing 600 lbs and 30 feet across. The giant pacific octopus, Enteroctopus dofleini, is perhaps the most beloved denizen of Puget Sound.