Octopus Biology and Ecology

Klappentext

Octopus Biology and Ecology describes important aspects of the lives of these fascinating animals, including their origin, biogeography, life history, distribution, behaviour, migratory patterns, diet, predators, and parasites. The emphasis is on species in highly variable coastal environments and includes a discussion of the potential threats and unexpected benefits of our changing climate and oceans. Detailed accounts, with many wonderful images in colour, are provided for each of the 21 species selected from around the world, each of which is described by local experts. The final chapter provides a detailed breakdown of research on octopuses and the topic areas in which this field is likely to expand in the future, recognizing in particular the growing importance of research into the effects of global changes. As well as climate change, key areas covered include behaviour and cognition, iEcology and citizen science, bio-robotics, deep-sea research, and culture and welfare. Octopus Biology and Ecology is a veritable mine of information for professional marine biologists and students alike. Octopuses are rapidly becoming a more widely exploited source of protein for human consumption, so it is important that information about their biology and ecology is available to help ensure that their exploitation will be sustainable. This book is therefore essential reading for fishery and aquaculture scientists, conservationists, and resource managers.

Inhalt

Part I Introduction

1. Octopus evolutionary history
2. Global biodiversity and biogeography of coastal octopuses

Part II Species account
Family Octopodidae

3. Octopus bimaculatus, Two-spotted octopus
4. Octopus bimaculoides, Lesser two-spotted octopus
5. Octopus cyanea, Big blue octopus
6. Octopus insularis, Brazil reef octopus
7. Octopus maya, Mayan octopus
8. Octopus mimus, Changos octopus
9. Octopus minor, Whiparm octopus
10. Octopus tehuelchus, Small Patagonian octopus
11. Octopus tetricus, Gloomy octopus
12. Octopus aff. tetricus, Western rock octopus
13. Octopus vulgaris, Common octopus
14. Abdopus aculeatus, Prickly octopus
15. Amphioctopus aegina, Sandbird octopus
16. Amphioctopus fangsiao, Gold-spot octopus
17. Hapalochlaena lunulata, Greater blue-ringed octopus
18. Paroctopus parvus, Bean octopus
    Family Eledonidae
19. Eledone cirrhosa, Horned lesser octopus
20. Eledone moschata, Musky lesser octopus
    Family Megaleledonidae
21. Graneledone pacifica
    Family Enteroctopodidae
22. Enteroctopus dofleini, Giant Pacific octopus
23. Enteroctopus megalocyathus, Patagonian giant octopus

Part III Conclusions

24. The future of research into octopus biology and ecology