Encounter with a Giant Pacific Octopus April 2 2021

We encountered a Giant Pacific Octopus during today's dive at Cottam Point. These creatures are very interesting to observe, they are peak invertebrates, and expert hunters. This one was feeding on pink and spiny scallops, and some crab (evidenced by the litter around and in the den).

[@zacharymejia3734]

Beautiful and misunderstood creatures🐙

[@martinocasarotto1655]

What an animal!

[@keatonblackman472]

That Octopus is A Great Swimmer

[@TomHlavac]

They can't swim fast long, their blood carries oxygen in a copper based transport molecule. That is less efficient than the iron-based blood we have.

[@unchartedodyssey]

Cool shot!

[@TomHlavac]

Thanks!

[@cozumel9083]

nice video Tom!

[@TomHlavac]

Thanks!

[@belladawn622]

What's up with all the empty clam shells?

[@TomHlavac]

The scallop shells are what they eat - sometimes you'll see a midden of them around a "historical" den (a den that has hosted octopus for generations - they only live to around 3-4 years).

[@EPSGplayer]

Somebody’s had ALOT to eat!!

[@h20doctor]

Nice !!

[@TomHlavac]

Thanks!

[@allancrow134]

Decent sized female getting close to laying some eggs.

[@TomHlavac]

th-cam.com/video/TLDHIHan8uY/w-d-xo.html

[@TomHlavac]

Check that out, Allan

[@allancrow134]

@@TomHlavac It looks like they haven't really settled on a trap design. There's another vid on TH-cam where a guy dices every piece of the white meat and arranges it in a styro box ready for the Sushi chef.

[@billc6762]

I wanna see Giant Pacific Octopus vs Michelin Star sushi chef

[@TomHlavac]

If a big one (say 120 pounds plus) and in 90fsw during a dark winter day, the octopus would win with two arms tied in a knot ;)

[@billc6762]

@@TomHlavac Then the sushi chef can bring a dozen Chinese fishing boats. Still win.