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Cryptic species are common in the ocean, particularly among marine invertebrates such as octopuses. Delineating cryptic species is particularly problematic in octopus taxonomy where the plasticity recorded among taxonomic characters often results in low resolution at the species level. This study investigated the morphological relationships among seven phylogenetic clades (identified using cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) of the broadly distributed Octopus vulgaris species complex and close relatives. Morphological analyses in this study were successful in delimiting O. sinensis, Brazilian O. vulgaris and O. vulgaris sensu stricto, which was congruent with the molecular findings of this study. Analyses based on male morphology were successful in distinguishing 14 of 15 total pairwise comparisons and proved to be a more reliable indicator of species‐level relationships in comparison with female morphology. The majority of characters with the greatest discriminatory power were male sexual traits. Significant morphological differences were also recorded among sampling localities of conspecifics, with phenotype showing correlation with local environmental data. The findings of this study support the hypothesis that multiple O. vulgaris‐like species are currently being incorrectly treated under a single species name, O. vulgaris. Octopuses being exported globally under the name O. vulgaris are of extremely high fisheries market value and profile. Our findings have potentially significant implications for the naming and conservation of commercially harvested members of this species complex throughout their ranges.

Deep-water trawl surveys on seamounts around New Caledonia yielded 62 specimens of the little-known genus, Scaeurgus. Members of this genus of octopuses typically occur at depths of 200-500 m in temperate and tropical latitudes worldwide. Prior to this study, Scaeurgus was considered to contain one to two species. The new material from New Caledonia contained a surprising diversity of Scaeurgus species from a small area: three distinct new species are described and limited material of a further two taxa is reported. A pygmy member of this genus is reported for the first time. Distributions of these new taxa are consistent with reports of high endemism on the seamount systems in this region. Fifty-eight of the 62 specimens were collected from seamounts, with four of the five taxa unique to a single seamount.

Deep-water trawl surveys on seamounts around New Caledonia yielded 62 specimens of the little-known genus, Scaeurgus. Members of this genus of octopuses typically occur at depths of 200-500 m in temperate and tropical latitudes worldwide. Prior to this study, Scaeurgus was considered to contain one to two species. The new material from New Caledonia contained a surprising diversity of Scaeurgus species from a small area: three distinct new species are described and limited material of a further two taxa is reported. A pygmy member of this genus is reported for the first time. Distributions of these new taxa are consistent with reports of high endemism on the seamount systems in this region. Fifty-eight of the 62 specimens were collected from seamounts, with four of the five taxa unique to a single seamount.

Deep-water trawl surveys on seamounts around New Caledonia yielded 62 specimens of the little-known genus, Scaeurgus. Members of this genus of octopuses typically occur at depths of 200-500 m in temperate and tropical latitudes worldwide. Prior to this study, Scaeurgus was considered to contain one to two species. The new material from New Caledonia contained a surprising diversity of Scaeurgus species from a small area: three distinct new species are described and limited material of a further two taxa is reported. A pygmy member of this genus is reported for the first time. Distributions of these new taxa are consistent with reports of high endemism on the seamount systems in this region. Fifty-eight of the 62 specimens were collected from seamounts, with four of the five taxa unique to a single seamount.