Fish species in Japan

Common octopus

マダコ · madako
Octopus sinensis

An octopus can grip bottom structure strongly and is often detected as weight rather than a sharp bite.

Habitat and season

Rocky bottoms and mixed coastal ground.

Months are a broad guide, not a current catch forecast. Region, water temperature and local closures can change the season.

Bottom jigs are moved a short distance to attract an octopus. Local fishing rights and the boat’s rules must be checked first.

Red seabream · Marbled rockfish · Japanese seabass

Red seabream · Largehead hairtail · Common octopus

Largehead hairtail · Japanese horse mackerel · Common octopus

Red seabream · Olive flounder · Japanese whiting

Detailed recipes for this species are currently in Japanese. Open the Japanese cooking guide →

Detailed Japanese species notes

8本の腕と吸盤を持ち、狭い隙間へ入り込める柔軟な体が特徴。

吸盤の力が強く、カンナも危険。地域ごとの漁業権・採捕ルールを必ず確認する。