Octopus

Octopus: Masters of Intelligence, Camouflage and Adaptation

Octopus are among the most intelligent and adaptable animals in the sea. They are soft-bodied cephalopods with excellent vision, flexible movement, powerful arms and an extraordinary ability to change colour, texture and posture.

For divers, octopus encounters can be unforgettable. Some stay tucked into reef holes, watching the world through alert eyes. Others move across sand or rubble, changing colour as they go. On muck diving sites, coconut octopus and mimic octopus are two of the most exciting and sought-after species.

Octopus are brilliant subjects for underwater photographers, but they also need careful, respectful observation. Good octopus encounters come from patience, distance and letting the animal decide what happens next.

What Makes Octopus Special?

Octopus are built differently from fish. Their soft bodies allow them to squeeze through tiny gaps, hide inside holes and shells, and move with remarkable flexibility. Their arms are powerful, sensitive and covered with suckers that help them grip, taste and explore.

They are also famous for intelligence. Octopus can solve problems, investigate objects, learn from experience and use complex behaviour to hunt, hide and defend themselves.

Their camouflage is one of the most impressive in the animal kingdom. Special skin cells allow many octopus to change colour, pattern and texture, helping them blend into sand, rubble, coral, algae or rock within seconds.

Where Octopus Live

Octopus live in a wide range of marine habitats, from coral reefs and rocky crevices to sandy muck sites, rubble slopes and seagrass beds. Some species hide in reef holes or dens, while others are found out on sand or rubble where they use camouflage and behaviour to stay hidden.

• Coral reefs
• Rubble slopes
• Sandy muck sites
• Seagrass beds
• Rocky crevices
• Reef holes and dens
• Shell beds
• Artificial structures
• Jetty and pier sites

Many octopus rely on dens or temporary shelters. A good diver should never disturb a den, remove shells, block an exit or try to force an octopus into the open.

Behaviour and Feeding

Octopus are active hunters and opportunistic feeders. They eat crabs, shrimps, molluscs, small fish and other prey. Depending on the species, they may stalk, pounce, probe holes with their arms, use their suckers to search crevices, or ambush prey from a hidden position.

Some octopus are shy and remain close to their den. Others may be more curious, watching divers carefully or changing colour as they assess the situation. This does not mean they want to be touched or chased. It simply means they are aware, intelligent animals responding to what is happening around them.

Coconut Octopus

The coconut octopus is one of the classic muck diving favourites. It is best known for using coconut shells, clam shells and other objects as portable shelter. Divers may see it tucked between shell halves, carrying a shell across the sand or walking across the seabed on its arms.

• Often found on sandy slopes and muck diving sites.
• Famous for using coconut shells and other objects as shelter.
• Can carry shells or hide inside them.
• Often seen on open sand or rubble.
• A favourite subject for macro divers and photographers.
• Best observed slowly and without blocking its escape route.

Never remove a coconut octopus from its shell or shelter. Do not lift shells to check if an octopus is inside. Do not block the animal from returning to cover.

Mimic Octopus

The mimic octopus is one of the most remarkable animals encountered on muck diving sites. It is famous for changing shape, colour, posture and movement in ways that may resemble other marine animals such as flatfish, lionfish or sea snakes.

• Usually associated with sandy or silty Indo-Pacific muck sites.
• Known for dramatic shape, colour and posture changes.
• Can spread its arms, flatten its body or move in unusual ways.
• One of macro diving's most exciting and sought-after sightings.
• Behaviour should never be forced for photographs or video.

Mimic octopus behaviour is often described as mimicking other animals, but divers should avoid assuming that every posture is a deliberate impersonation of a specific species.

Mimic octopus are often found on open sand and can be vulnerable to crowding. Give the animal space, avoid surrounding it, and do not chase it across the bottom for a better video clip.

How to Observe Octopus Responsibly

Octopus are intelligent animals that respond clearly to diver behaviour. If an octopus changes colour rapidly, retreats, inks, blocks its den, moves away repeatedly or tries to hide, the diver should back off.

• Never touch, grab or prod an octopus.
• Never pull an octopus from a den.
• Do not lift shells or objects to expose an animal.
• Do not block the entrance to a den.
• Do not surround the animal with multiple divers.
• Keep excellent buoyancy and fin control.
• Give the octopus a clear escape route.
• Avoid chasing coconut or mimic octopus across sand.
• Do not encourage guides to manipulate behaviour.
• Limit bright focus lights and repeated close flash bursts.
• Leave if the animal inks, retreats repeatedly or shows obvious stress.

Photographing Octopus

Octopus are among the most expressive subjects in underwater photography. Their eyes, arms, suckers, colour changes and behaviour can all make powerful images. The mistake is trying to force the encounter. The best images come when the photographer waits and lets the animal behave naturally.

• Focus on the eye whenever possible.
• Keep a respectful distance and let the octopus settle.
• Watch for natural behaviour rather than forcing action.
• Use side lighting to bring out texture and shape.
• Avoid harsh lighting directly into the eyes at close range.
• For coconut octopus, include the shell or shelter in the composition.
• For mimic octopus, use wider framing to show posture and movement.
• Do not chase the subject for video.
• Keep fins clear of sand and silt on muck sites.
• Back off if the animal retreats or changes behaviour repeatedly.

Octopus can suit both macro and wider close-focus compositions. With a TG-7, start with a simple eye-focused portrait, then try wider environmental shots if the animal remains relaxed. For mimic or coconut octopus, avoid getting so close that you cut off the arms or lose the behaviour.

Octopus Conservation

Octopus depend on healthy marine habitats. Reef damage, pollution, destructive fishing and habitat loss can all reduce the places they live and hunt. Some octopus species are also caught for food, and local pressures vary by region.

For divers, the practical message is simple: protect the habitat, avoid disturbing dens and shelters, and treat octopus as intelligent wildlife rather than props for photographs.

Octopus FAQs

Are octopus intelligent?

Yes. Octopus are widely regarded as highly intelligent invertebrates.

How many arms does an octopus have?

Octopus have eight flexible arms covered in suckers.

What is a coconut octopus?

A coconut octopus is a muck diving favourite known for using coconut shells, clam shells and other objects as shelter.

What is a mimic octopus?

The mimic octopus is a remarkable Indo-Pacific species known for changing shape, colour and posture in ways that may resemble other marine animals.

Can divers touch an octopus?

No. Octopus should never be touched, grabbed, chased or pulled from a den.

Why do octopus change colour?

Octopus change colour for camouflage, display and response to their surroundings.

Is octopus ink dangerous to divers?

Ink is mainly a defence mechanism. If an octopus inks, back away.

Are coconut octopus and mimic octopus good photography subjects?

Yes, but photographers should keep distance, avoid chasing and never manipulate the animal for a shot.

Intelligent Encounters Deserve Respect

Octopus encounters are some of the most memorable moments in diving. Their intelligence, camouflage and behaviour make them fascinating to watch, but they are not props for photographs. The best encounter is one where the octopus remains in control and the diver leaves without changing its behaviour.