The Mayan octopus , also known as the Mayan red octopus, is an endemic species exclusive to the Yucatan peninsula, which is why it has been characterized and distinguished from other species of octopus for its shape, intelligence and dexterity that he has throughout his body.
The Mayan octopus of Yucatán is a species like others, which is in danger of extinction in the region due to the illegal fishing practices carried out by poachers, inhabitants of the same Peninsula, that without caring they continue to prey, so there are many campaigns that are being carried out to stop these actions.
The Mayan octopus , which in certain regions is known by the name of the red octopus or Mayan red octopus, is an endemic species, unique that inhabits the Yucatan peninsula, in Mexico and which has been a important stamp in the economy of said region.
It is estimated that there are a few species of this invertebrate animal around the world, in fact, this is a species that grows and matures during the Mexican fishing season, which takes place between August and December.
It is important to note that, despite the fact that this is a species of octopus quite similar to the traditional octopus that we all know, it differs by the symmetry in its body and by its intelligence, since it is a species capable of saving memories in a short and long term. It lives in rock crevices and bottom holes, although it is also found occupying mollusk shells and various submerged objects .
Properties and characteristics of the Mayan octopus.
Like any species of octopus that we can find today, the Mayan octopus also has properties and characteristics that make it unique not only for its habitat, but for those who consume said animal.
Among these properties and characteristics, we can highlight the following:
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Nutritional properties
For those who consume this species of animals, we must emphasize that it has a high level of minerals and vitamins such as zinc, calcium, iron, potassium, niacin and others, as well as it is a species that is of great help for fertility of man.
Despite this, today there are many areas in which the consumption of this particular species is not allowed, but the consumption of other octopuses is allowed, obtaining in the same way the properties mentioned above
- Color and eyes
The Mayan octopus differs from the rest of the octopus species by its striking color, for which it is also known as the red mesh octopus. Similarly, it is a kind of octopus that has two large eyes that allow it to look at things in color. - Reproduction
The reproduction of this octopus occurs in certain months of the year thanks to the fact that the females begin to interact much more with the males, this happens from the end of August and the beginning of September.
We must also highlight that, unlike other species, when the female octopus has her eggs, they are not widely scattered throughout the sea, but she shelters them until they hatch and grow, mainly to protect them from danger. - Suction cups and spots
We emphasize that this species of octopus has two suction cups on its tentacles, which is a characteristic that differentiates it from other species of octopus, as well as on its head, under its eyes, it has spots that give the allusion that it has four huge eyes. - Size
The Mayan octopus is a species that can reach up to a meter in length or, at most, 60 cm, being quite similar to the traditional octopus known as vulgario octupos. From the rest, they differ by the aforementioned.
The Mayan octopus in the economy
In the Yucatan peninsula it is possible to find in shallow waters of the continental platform from Campeche to Quintana Roo. This activity is carried out because this is the only region with the presence of this animal, so once captured, it is exported to the European Union, North America and Asia, being a great trade opportunity.
Importance of the Mayan octopus
The Mayan octopus, like any other species, is an animal that complements the biodiversity found in this region of the planet, contributing not only to beauty, but to the survival of its species.
For this reason, it is extremely important to take care of them and avoid promoting illegal fishing for them. Today there are many actions that can be carried out to promote the care and preservation of the species in the Yucatan peninsula.
Did you know?
- The oldest known octopus fossil is 296 million years old .
- It has three hearts ; two of which are used to pump blood around the extremities, while the other is used for the blood that travels through the organs.
- They are able to navigate mazes, solve problems, find solutions, and even take things just for fun.
- Octopuses belong to royalty for being blue-blooded, since they base their blood on copper.
- Their tentacles are part of their brain, which may explain why they react even after being separated from the body.