Question 1: What does the mototi octopus primarily feed on?
- Crustaceans
- Small fish
- Other octopuses
Correct Answer: Crustaceans
Fact: On Rapa Island in the South Pacific, the mototi octopus is known as ‘fe’e mototi,’ which translates to ‘poisonous octopus.’ Its bite contains the poison tetrodotoxin, for which there is no known antidote, and it paralyzes its prey with its saliva. This species is often found in shallow waters, at depths of around 3 to 150 feet. However, sightings are rare, owing to their small size and habit of hiding.
Question 2: Which is the largest species of octopus?
- Common octopus
- Giant Pacific octopus
- Greater blue-ringed octopus
Correct Answer: Giant Pacific octopus
Fact: On average, this species can weigh up to 110 pounds with an arm span of about 15 feet. The largest recorded specimen weighed more than 600 pounds and was 30 feet long.
Question 3: Which legendary sea monster is often depicted as a giant octopus?
- Kraken
- Leviathan
- Hydra
Correct Answer: Kraken
Fact: In Scandinavian folklore, the kraken is described as a humongous creature that attacks ships, dragging them and their crews to the ocean’s depths. This creature was believed to dwell off the coasts of Norway and Iceland. The kraken is mentioned in several literary works, including Alfred Tennyson’s sonnet ‘The Kraken’ and Herman Melville’s ‘Moby Dick.’