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Generalized life cycle of the giant Pacific octopus: Male and females mate throughout the year but most mating in British Columbia occurs in inshore waters during fall. About 2 months later, females lay eggs in clusters which adhere to the roof of the den. Female broods eggs for 5-6 months. Female dies after, or sometimes before, eggs hatch in spring. Newly hatched larvae are about 7 mm in length. Larvae swim upwards and remain in plankton for about 2 months. At approximately 50 mm they settle and follow a benthic existence. Migrations appear to occur between shallow inshore and deeper offshore waters. Octopuses are most common inshore from May to July and November to January, and offshore from February to March and August to October. Adults live to be 3 to 5 years old and males reach a maximum size of 25 kg.