Scientific name
Octopus vulgaris; Octopus maya
Also known as
Common octopus, Mexican red octopus, pulpo, poulpe, pulpo maya
Main origins
Mauritania, Senegal, Morocco, Spain, Mexico
Main season
Varies by origin; closures apply
Overview
About Octopus
Octopus vulgaris is a bottom dwelling cephalopod of rocky and sandy shelf waters in the eastern Atlantic, with the richest grounds off Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal. Octopus maya is endemic to the Yucatán Peninsula. Both give firm white flesh that turns tender and slightly sweet when properly cooked.
Morocco and Mauritania land most of the West African catch under quotas and seasonal closures, while Senegal supplies both trawl and artisanal pot catches. Spain, centred on Galicia, imports, regrades and processes much of this supply, and Spain, Italy, Portugal and Japan are the main markets. Uses range from boiled and grilled tentacles to salads, tapas and ready meals.
Key points
- T1 to T8 weight grades
- Sea frozen and land frozen
- Annual biological rest periods
- Spanish processing and regrading
Origins
Where it comes from
Mauritania
Cephalopod trawl and artisanal fleets fish under IMROP advice, with a first closure from May to July (extended to 15 July in 2026) and a second set by ministerial decision.
Morocco
The Dakhla region dominates landings, fished in a winter campaign from 1 January and a summer campaign from July, with a spring closure from 1 April.
Mexico
Octopus maya from Yucatán and Campeche is fished from 1 August to 15 December, mainly by small boats drifting baited lines.
Available origins vary through the year. Contact us for current availability.
Specifications
Available formats
| Product forms | Whole gutted, whole round, cleaned, flower (IQF), tentacles, cooked |
| Sizes (kg per piece) | T1 4 up, T2 3/4, T3 2/3, T4 1.5/2, T5 1.2/1.5, T6 0.8/1.2, T7 0.5/0.8, T8 0.3/0.5 |
| Freezing | Sea frozen on board or land frozen; block, IWP or IQF |
| Packing | IWP bags or plate blocks in master cartons, commonly 10 to 20 kg |
| Season | Mauritania closed about May to July; Morocco closed from 1 April and in autumn; Mexico open 1 August to 15 December |
| Certifications | EU approved establishments, HACCP; Spanish processors commonly hold BRCGS or IFS |
Closure dates are set each year by national authorities and change with stock advice. Mexican red octopus may be graded on a different scale; confirm grades per offer. Specifications are typical for the trade and vary by origin and supplier. We source to your exact requirements.
Interested in Octopus?
Send us your specification, volumes and destination and we will come back to you with suitable offers.