Pulandian Octopus

Pulandian Octopus

The Pulandian Octopus is a product with a geographical indication.

　　The octopus, also known as the eight-armed squid, belongs to the phylum Mollusca, class Cephalopoda, order Octopoda, and family Octopodidae (Octopoda). It has eight arms on its head, connected by membranes of varying lengths, each equipped with two rows of sessile suckers. Because of these eight arms, it is referred to as an "eight-armed creature." The body of the octopus is short and oval-shaped, sac-like, and lacks fins. The boundary between the head and the body is not distinct. The head-trunk part of the octopus is about 7–9.5 cm long, with large compound eyes on the head and eight retractable arms. Each arm has two rows of fleshy suckers. The arms of the short octopus are about 12 cm long, those of the long octopus are about 48.5 cm, and those of the common octopus are about 32.5 cm. It usually crawls using its arms, but can also swim by contracting the inter-arm membranes, and can firmly grasp objects. It expels water through a funnel located under its head to move swiftly backward. The base of the arms is connected to a webbed membrane called a skirt, with the mouth located at the center. The mouth contains a pair of sharp keratinous jaws and a rasp-like radula used to drill into shells and scrape out the flesh.

　　Geographic Scope

　　The Pulandian Octopus is mainly distributed along the Yellow Sea coast in Pulandian City, Dalian, Liaoning Province. The geographical coordinates of the production area are E 122°15′52.10″, N 39°19′17.88″ and E 122°33′07.33″, N 39°26′29.05″. The Pulandian Octopus is primarily found in the 55 km stretch of the Yellow Sea coastline in Pulandian. It naturally inhabits tidal flat areas, surrounding areas of isolated islands, and offshore fishing zones, as well as artificially cultivated shallow coastal areas.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　(1) External Sensory Characteristics: The Pulandian Octopus (long-armed octopus) (Octopus variabilis Sasaki) belongs to the phylum Mollusca, class Cephalopoda, order Octopoda, and family Octopodidae. The body of the octopus is elongated-oval, short, sub-rounded, or egg-shaped. It has a pair of eyes and eight arms. The dorsal arms are slightly longer, while the ventral arms are slightly shorter. The arms are 2–5 times the length of the body and vary in length, with the first pair being the thickest and longest, twice the length of the fourth pair. The arms have two rows of suckers of varying sizes. There are no fleshy fins, and the shell is degenerated. The third right arm of the male is modified into a hectocotylus, and the species is dioecious. The maximum body length of the Pulandian Octopus can exceed 90 cm, and the maximum weight can reach 350 grams. Its color varies, appearing light pink or grayish-brown. The external characteristics of the Pulandian Octopus include relatively large and powerful suckers on its arms. The longest arm can be five times the length of the body. In the same environment, its body color is darker, appearing blackish-red. When cooked, the Pulandian Octopus turns a dark purple color, which is distinctly different from the light purple of octopuses from other regions. Its taste also significantly differs from that of other origins. (2) Internal Quality Indicators: The Pulandian Octopus is large in size, with thick, delicious, and nutritious meat. The edible portion accounts for over 90% of its total body. It is rich in essential nutrients for the human body, including protein, crude fiber, amino acids, various vitamins, and trace elements. Regular consumption can nourish yin and yang, enhance the body’s immunity, and the natural taurine found in the Pulandian Octopus helps combat fatigue, aging, and extends lifespan. It also contains cephalatoxin, which can treat heart diseases. The Pulandian Octopus is rich in astaxanthin (ASTA), which has many pigment cells. Astaxanthin is the strongest antioxidant, ensuring the stability of myoglobin structure and serving as an elixir for longevity. Nutritional analysis of the Pulandian Octopus (per 100 g): protein 9.5–9.7 g, phosphorus 110–130 mg, selenium 9.4–9.6 μg, total amino acids 5.4–5.6%. The Pulandian Octopus exceeds products from other origins in key nutritional and quality indicators, resulting in its unique qualities such as distinctive coloration and richer nutrition. (3) Safety Requirements: Compliant with food safety standards and export food safety standards.