Common octopus
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Common octopus
Common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) hunting on the sea floor. A grouper fish (lower right) is waiting for prey that might escape. The common octopus is a nocturnal predator that hunts fish, crustaceans and bivalves. It is found worldwide in both temperate and tropical oceans to a depth of 180 metres. Like all octopi, the common octopus can change colour according to its surroundings by dilating or contracting pigment cells called chromatophores. This acts as a form of camouflage from predators. Photographed off Bonaire island, Netherlands Antilles, Caribbean
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Media ID 6465739
© GEORGETTE DOUWMA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Antilles Atlantic Ocean Bonaire Camouflage Caribbean Chromatophores Grouper Hunt Hunting Marine Life Mollusc Mollusca Mollusk Netherlands Nocturnal Octopus Pigment Cells Predator Predators Predatory Reef Rock Rocks Rocky Sea Bed Sea Floor Tentacles Waiting Watching Common Octopus Octopus Vulgaris
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the mesmerizing sight of a Common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) in its natural habitat, hunting on the sea floor. As the octopus stealthily moves across the rocky ocean bed, a grouper fish patiently waits nearby, anticipating any prey that might try to escape. The Common octopus is a remarkable nocturnal predator known for its ability to hunt various marine creatures such as fish, crustaceans, and bivalves. Found worldwide in both temperate and tropical oceans up to depths of 180 meters, this intelligent creature possesses an incredible skill – it can change color according to its surroundings by manipulating pigment cells called chromatophores. This unique adaptation serves as a form of camouflage against potential predators. Photographed off Bonaire island in the Netherlands Antilles region of the Caribbean, this image showcases not only the diverse marine life found in these crystal-clear waters but also highlights the intricate relationship between predator and prey beneath the surface. The rocky reef provides an ideal hiding place for both hunters and their unsuspecting victims. With its tentacles outstretched and eyes focused intently on its surroundings, this common octopus exemplifies nature's perfect balance between survival instincts and adaptability. It reminds us of how vast and mysterious our oceans truly are while offering a glimpse into one small moment within this fascinating underwater world captured by Science Photo Library's lens.
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