Mating Octopus Pair!! Exmouth, Western Australia

13 October 2023 - Lakeside, Exmouth Western Australia
Came across a couple of octopus during a snorkel in Exmouth, first saw the female and then realised the male was nearby. After only observing for a short while, the male approached the female and I was curious what was going on.
As the video shows, it becomes apparent that the male octopus intends to mate with the female. At the time I wasn't 100% sure this is what was going on, as I was not yet versed in the mating lives of octopus, but had a pretty good idea.
He appears to successfully mate with her twice during the time I was there. I left them to their peace after 10 min or so, so it is entirely possible they continued this for a while (apparently can occur many times, even over days).
I remembered I had this footage while recently watching the first episode of the "Secrets of the Octopus" and was like gosh I actually need to find and edit this video to check, but knew I had definitely been exceptionally privileged to see this happen in real life!
To give you an idea of my snorkel and dive holidays, I can spend 4 hours snorkeling, or do 2 x 1 hour dives each day. This is not only exhausting (in the best possible way), but I take a LOT of footage and often, although I am excited to see it again to experience it all over, I get pretty tired and work and life takes over. And in my spare time I go diving (terrible problem, I know). But every now and then, when I have time.. I get to experience the wonder all over again!
Side note: both occys seem to get attacked by a fish or two a fair few times, and as always, a pet wrasse (wanted or not) is never too far from the occy's side.
I hope you enjoy.
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