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Octopus and octopus both belong to the cephalopod group of mollusks and may appear very similar at first glance. They have a soft body and eight arms with suckers, and are used in numerous Mediterranean recipes. Despite these similarities, they are distinct animals, distinguishable primarily by their size, the arrangement of their suckers, their body shape, and some characteristics of their flesh.

Knowing the difference between octopus and baby octopus is helpful when purchasing, as it allows you to choose the best product for your desired preparation. Octopus is often used in salads, pasta dishes, and grilling, while baby octopus is particularly well-suited to stews, soups, and recipes where it's cooked whole.

The size of the octopus

The common octopus, scientifically called Octopus vulgaris, is generally larger and more robust than the dormouse. Size can vary depending on age, environment, and food availability, but commercial specimens often weigh between a few hundred grams and several kilograms.

The exceptional measurements attributed to the octopus should not be considered a rule. In common parlance, animals up to three meters long and weighing over twenty kilograms are sometimes referred to, but these dimensions may refer to other species or particularly rare cases. The common Mediterranean octopus normally reaches smaller sizes.

When an octopus appears very large, it is often called an "octopus." This term, however, does not identify a growth stage or a distinct zoological category. It is a popular and evocative name used primarily to describe cephalopods imagined to be particularly large or impressive. Therefore, there is no precise size beyond which an octopus officially becomes an octopus. 

How big is the octopus?

The dormouse is noticeably smaller. The species commonly referred to by this name is Eledone moschata, widespread in the Mediterranean and some areas of the eastern Atlantic. It can reach a total length of about 40 centimeters and, in the largest specimens, slightly exceed a kilogram in weight. However, those found in fisheries are often much smaller.

The small size allows for frequent whole octopus cooking, after carefully cleaning it. The body appears more compact, and the arms are proportionate to the head. The skin can vary in tone from gray to brown, with nuances that also vary depending on the animal's condition.

Different species can be found on the market with similar names, such as the white octopus. For this reason, when you want to know exactly what product you're purchasing, it's helpful to read the name on the tag displayed by the seller.

The main difference is in the suction cups

The easiest way to tell the difference between an octopus and a dormouse is to look at the inside of their arms. In the common octopus, the suckers are arranged in two parallel rows, while in the dormouse, they form a single row.

This characteristic is evident even in small specimens and is more reliable than simply comparing weight. A young octopus, in fact, can be as small as a baby octopus, but will still have two rows of suckers.

In everyday language, we often talk about tentacles, but from an anatomical standpoint, those of the octopus and the octopus are more correctly called arms. The actual tentacles, found in squid and cuttlefish, for example, have a different structure and are used primarily to grasp prey.

Appearance and smell

The octopus generally has a more developed head, a robust build, and thick arms. Its skin can change color and have an irregular texture, a characteristic linked to the animal's ability to camouflage itself in its environment.

The dormouse has a smaller, rounder body. The species name Eledone moschata It evokes the distinctive musky odor that can be especially detected in fresh produce. This scent should not be confused with poor preservation.

An excessively pungent, ammoniacal, or unpleasant odor may indicate a product that is no longer fresh. When purchased, the meat should be firm, moist but not slimy, with a natural color and no obvious alterations.

Do the consistency and flavor also change?

Octopus has firm flesh and a pronounced marine flavor. Its structure contains fibers that require proper cooking to become tender. If cooked too little, it can become tough, while overcooking can make it dry or flaky.

Musky octopus generally has more delicate flesh and a less robust texture, especially when small. This doesn't mean it's always tender regardless of how it's prepared. Musky octopus can also become rubbery if exposed to unsuitable temperatures and times.

Tenderness also depends on freshness, size, and cooking method. A very large octopus may require longer than a small one, while a well-handled and carefully cooked octopus can be tender without losing its texture.

How to use octopus in cooking

Octopus is ideal for dishes that require a certain structure. It can be boiled and seasoned with oil, lemon, parsley, and potatoes, or used in seafood salads, pasta dishes, and risottos.

After cooking for the first time, it can be sliced ​​and grilled, resulting in a slightly crispy surface and a soft interior. It's also suitable for stewing with tomatoes, olives, capers, and herbs.

Before slicing, it's a good idea to let it rest for a few minutes in its cooking liquid. This helps keep the meat juicier and makes it easier to prepare portions.

How to cook baby octopus

Baby octopus is particularly popular in stewed recipes. They can be cooked with tomato, garlic, chili pepper, white wine, and parsley, creating a sauce that's also suitable for pasta or toast.

Small specimens can be fried or added to fish soups. Larger ones require slow cooking, during which they release some of their juices and absorb the flavors of the seasoning.

Before preparation, they must be cleaned by removing the innards, eyes, and central beak. If purchased pre-cleaned, it's still a good idea to rinse them quickly under cold water and check that there are no residues inside the head.

In conclusion

The most obvious difference between an octopus and a musky octopus is their suckers: the octopus has two rows on each arm, while the musky octopus has only one. Size also helps distinguish them, as the octopus is typically larger and more robust.

The term "piovra" (octopus) doesn't simply refer to an octopus that has exceeded a certain weight, but is a popular term with no specific zoological limit. In the kitchen, octopus offers firmer meat, also suitable for grilling, while musky octopus is ideal for stews, soups, and other dishes that showcase its delicate flavor.