[7] O. rubescens is a generalist predator and has been maintained on a wide variety of gastropods, bivalves, crabs, and barnacles in the lab.

[9] Although the captive behavior of O. rubescens led many to believe they are nocturnal foragers,[10] a study within Puget Sound, Washington found that a localized population was likely diurnal.

As part of its feeding behavior, O. rubescens will pounce on prey and display a stereotypical sequence of color changes at the moment of capture.

[16] A 2011 study suggested O. rubescens may choose prey based on fat digestibility rather than on the amount of calories the octopuses are able to obtain from the food items.

[17] If this is true, the authors further argue, this would make O. rubescens a specialist predator by some measures rather than a generalist due to its specific nutrient requirements.

In the film, Hank acts as a reluctant but persistent accomplice in assisting Dory in reuniting with her family, desiring her quarantine tag so he can go to an aquarium in Cleveland to live in solitude.