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Mototi Blue Ring Octopus

Octopus mototi

Photo by Blogie
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

This octopus has one blue ring on either side of its head, which it displays to warn off potential predators. It can also change its color, as you can see in the 4th picture. It's said that this type of octopus is very rare.

Habitat:

Sandy and rubble areas of coral reefs, at depths of 1 to 40m.

Notes:

Spotted this octopus at a depth of about 40 feet, during a day dive. It was about twice as big as my hand if it had its tentacles stretched out.

Reference Links:

Cephalopods (Octopus mototi) - Information on Cephalopods, Mototi Octopus Octopus mototi - Liquidguru's Underwater Video Site

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (11)
Blogie
No, patty. The octopus was actually pretty tiny. But if it had its tentacles spread out in all directions then it would probably reach twice the size of my hand. This starfish was about 50% larger than my hand. :)
patty
What a magnificent octupus! Amazing! So, the octopus was about twice as big as your hand, that is to say: the starfish was enormous! =)
CourtneyVerk
What an awesome spotting! Thank you for sharing.
Nicholas4
Yea, We already know that the octopus in general, are a lot smarter than dogs and some scientists are wondering just how complex their intellect really is!! So, I guess this one is no exception..
Blogie
Thanks, Nicholas! Hmmm... No, I don't think the octopus and the sea star have any real symbiotic relationship. Perhaps the octopus was just trying to use the starfish as a shield against us pesky divers. :D
Nicholas4
Symbiotic relation with the sea-star, or just a passer-by I wonder?? Very nice series.
Blogie
Thanks, Palaimon! Currently I'm using a Nikon Coolpix P7000 in a Fantasea FP7000 housing. Sometimes I get to use an external strobe, a Sea&Sea YS01, which I borrow from a friend.
Palaimon
Amazing picture! Really nice colors. What kind of equipment do you use?
Blogie
Thanks guys! @argybee - Haha yeah! I've seen other critters that're friends with this type of starfish (chocolate chip sea star, I believe): frogfish, brittle stars, gobies, and more! :D
Maria dB
Great photos and beautiful octopus; also like starfish

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Global Coral Reef Monitoring
Mission
Davao Gulf Marine Life
Mission
Animals with Warning Colors
Mission
Wildlife of Mindanao
Mission
Mollusca

Tags

Photographed
PublishedJanuary 10, 2012

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