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 long
Also 11.81 in
Defined arm-tip-to-fin-tip length · defined specimen
Typical recorded range: 20 cm to 50 cm.

A little perspective
About the same scale as A4 paper.
A4 paper: A4 paper is an ISO 216 paper format commonly used internationally for letters, forms and printed documents.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Dumbo octopus
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
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.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 30 cm
For comparison, this page uses defined arm-tip-to-fin-tip length. This is labelled defined specimen: an explicit comparison model rather than a claim that every example has the same value. 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 named feature; transparent margins and unmeasured details do not alter it. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dumbo octopus 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
Go smaller. Go bigger.
These links use compatible length records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · Everyday thingsA4 paper29.7 cmA4 paper is an ISO 216 paper format commonly used internationally for letters, forms and printed documents.
Around the same scale · SportOrienteering control marker30 cmAn orienteering control marker is a fabric flag with orange and white panels used to mark checkpoints in orienteering events.
Nearest higher value · Living thingsPigeon32 cmA 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





