Octopuses

The octopuses are contained in the phylum Mollusca, the class Cephalopoda (head-foot) and the order Octopoda (eight feet).They all have eight arms or feet lined with suckers. Beneath its flowing mantle there is a parrot like beak made of chitin, a substance similar to what our fingernails are made of.

Octopuses are incredible animals. They can squeeze through any hole larger than its eye. If disturbed, they are capable of emitting ink screens to distract its attacker long enough to escape. They can then shoot into a crevice, instantly alter its color or skin texture to blend in with the reef, or even swim away. They can jet-propel their way through the water by means of a tubular funnel that can shoot out spurts of water taken in through the mantle covering. This funnel can be directed forward or backward.

These are highly intelligent animals. They have image-forming eyes and perhaps even color vision. They have memory and show problem solving abilities that rival some birds and mammals. They are even said to have a sense of humor.

Day Octopus
(Octopus cyanea)

This diurnal octopus belongs to the family Octopodidae and is found from shallow water to 150 feet or more. It is most active in early morning or late afternoon. It is usually grayish brown in color, but it can change instantly into a variety of color patterns or skin texture. This is either done for camouflage or to express emotion. It can quickly alter colors several times to confuse predators. If startled, an octopus can turn deep reddish brown. If threatened, it will bleach to an ashen-white.

This is a solitary animal usually found half in and half out of its lair. It will initially withdraw if approached. But it is also very curious and can often be coaxed out to investigate a patient diver.

It eats mostly crab, but will also feed on fishes and other molluscs. It captures its prey by pouncing, covering it with it outspread mantle. It will then drill through the shell using its radula.

A few years ago as we were heading back to the boat having just finished a dive, we saw chunks of the reef ahead shaking up and down vigorously. Suddenly a Yellowmargin Moray Eel shot out from under the reef . It was writhing violently having attacked a very determined Octopus that was now attached to the top of the eel's head. The eel was biting at a tentacle, while the octopus was scraping on the top of the eel's head with its sharp beak. We watched in awe as the eel would shoot this way and that in and out of the reef.

I had only one shot left in my Nikonos, and I was determined to get a great shot. Unfortunately, I had my close-up lens on and had to get within about 6 inches to get a sharp picture. It was a very dumb thing to do, but I inched up to the battle, finally getting close enough. Just as I released the shutter for what I thought would be the photo of a lifetime, the eel twisted and all I got was a close-up of the eel's body. I was a little disappointed about missing a great shot, but the experience was one that will never be forgotten.

The octopus finally broke free and swam away, minus a tentacle. The eel, bloody but unbowed, had to look elsewhere for his meal that day.