slowly, they were not particularly stressed, but neither did they seem to be behaving naturally.
Luckily, I took heed of the local diving experts’ thoughts about evenings being a good time to see octopuses‘ out and about’ and stayed on for a third dive … Right at the end of it, after a few more‘ standard’ sightings and with the light level now low, I found myself in among a group of five octopuses. At least two of them were stretched up in a very‘ tall’ posture. The textbooks say this is the classic position for‘ viewing conspsecifics’( checking out what their mates are up to!) and I have since heard it well-described as‘ periscoping’. There was also some arm contact and pulling among the group. I had no idea what it all meant but it was wonderful to see them behaving like that for a few minutes and not be the focus of their concern.
The second and contrasting experience came on a shore dive in Torbay. While filming an octopus at the front of its lair, a crevice surrounded by bits of swimming crab, the individual appeared to be relaxed and very inquisitive. It even stretched out an investigative arm for a quick flick around
Two octopuses( one in background)‘ periscoping’ to get a better view of each other
Here in front of its den, this octopus approached to investigate my camera my camera housing. Mindful of the advice to always‘ look and don’ t touch’ when it comes to wild animals, but also thinking this interaction would be on their terms, I couldn’ t resist slowly reaching out my hand part way towards the curious cephalopod.
Holding the camera and mounted lights as steadily as possible with the other hand, I carried on filming as this amazing animal extended an arm towards my hand for a thorough exploration of my gloved palm and fingers. It was an extraordinary moment and, for once, when asked the usual‘ good dive mate, see anything?’ in the car park, I think I was speechless. �
Paul’ s photos and video clips capturing UK marine life stories are on Instagram @ paulnaylormarinephoto
An octopus slips into a crevice
Octopus at home
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