Squidward Tentacles is called an octopus because that’s the species the creators chose for him, even though his name (and some of his features) can make him seem like a squid. In the world of SpongeBob SquarePants, he’s consistently treated as an octopus: the show’s character bios, official merchandising, and most behind-the-scenes references identify him that way.
Not officially. The “Squidward” name is mainly a joke—an awkward, funny-sounding name that fits his cranky personality and makes him stand out next to SpongeBob and Patrick. The series leans into this mismatch for humor, since viewers naturally expect a squid from the name.
Many drawings show Squidward with six limbs (two arms and four legs), which is anatomically off for a real octopus. That’s a design simplification: fewer limbs are easier to animate cleanly and keep readable on screen, especially in fast, expressive scenes. The character still signals “octopus” through traits like his bulb-shaped head, suction-cup-like details, and tentacle styling.
In broad terms, octopuses typically have eight arms and rounder bodies, while squids usually have eight arms plus two longer tentacles and a more streamlined shape. Squids also tend to have fins and a distinct mantle form. Squidward’s head shape and overall silhouette align more with the classic cartoon octopus look than a squid.
For a deeper breakdown of the character design choices and how the show handles the species mix-up, visit https://operena.com/why-do-they-call-squidward-an-octopus/.
For Why Squidward Is Called an Octopus (Not a Squid), the best answer depends on fit, material, care instructions, and how the product will be used day to day.
Squidward is supposed to be an octopus, despite his squid-inspired name. The series and related official materials most commonly classify him as an octopus.
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