Dumbo octopus
The dumbo octopus is a deep-sea animal belonging to the genus Grimpoteuthis, recognised for its webbed arms and distinctive ear-like fins used for swimming.
Also known as: Grimpoteuthis, dumbo octopod
How big is it?
30 cm · defined arm-tip-to-fin-tip length
Also 11.81 in
Defined arm-tip-to-fin-tip length · defined specimen
Typical recorded range: 20 cm to 50 cm.
A little perspective
Dumbo octopus vs A4 paper: length comparison
The arm-tip-to-fin-tip length of a dumbo octopus is about 1.01 times the length of a sheet of A4 paper.
The dumbo octopus is a deep-sea animal belonging to the genus Grimpoteuthis, recognised for its webbed arms and distinctive ear-like fins used for swimming.
A4 paper is an ISO 216 paper format commonly used internationally for letters, forms and printed documents.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions. Horizontal rulers compare the selected spans; vertical brackets also identify height on the artwork.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Dumbo octopus
Defined arm-tip-to-fin-tip length: 30 cm; defined specimen; range 20 cm–50 cm.
A defined 30 cm, 1 kg dumbo octopus (Grimpoteuthis-type). Species and specimens vary; the complete span includes the webbed arms and paired ear-like fins, with no claim that this is a maximum.
The marked defined arm-tip-to-fin-tip length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
A4 paper
Length: 29.7 cm; standard.
A4 is 210 × 297 mm. Its 0.06237 m² area is calculated from those nominal sides. The marked span uses the exact measurement; the generated paper texture and outline are illustrative.
University of Cambridge — ISO paper sizes
The marked length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 30 cm
We compare the arm-tip-to-fin-tip length of a dumbo octopus. This is an illustrative comparison value, not a claim that every example is the same. The recorded range is 20 cm to 50 cm.
A defined 30 cm, 1 kg dumbo octopus (Grimpoteuthis-type). Species and specimens vary; the complete span includes the webbed arms and paired ear-like fins, with no claim that this is a maximum.
The marked vertical span follows the measured feature, not the edges of the image. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 cm | 20 cm to 50 cm | defined specimen | |
| 1 kg | 500 g to 2 kg | defined specimen |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueEveryday objectsA4 paper29.7 cmLengthA4 paper is an ISO 216 paper format commonly used internationally for letters, forms and printed documents.
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Nearest higher valueLiving thingsPigeon32 cmLengthA pigeon is a bird that feeds mainly on seeds and is often seen in urban environments.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- MBARI — Dumbo octopusDeep-sea cirrate-octopus anatomy, including paired fins and webbed arms; the atlas uses a defined specimen.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
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