Mototi Octopus

Description:

Also referred to as Amphioctopus mototi, and is alternatively called Poison Ocellate Octopus, this diminutive (but venomous) cephalopod is reef-associated and feeds on crustaceans (crab and shrimp) and clams. It attains a maximum size of 25cm in length. As with most other species of octopus, the Mototi can change colors to warn predators off. It has a blue ring on either side of its head, below each eye; the rings turn a brighter blue when the animal is agitated.

Habitat:

When not hunting, the Mototi Octopus can be found hiding in holes or, as in this case, empty shells. They occur at depths of 1 to 40m. Distribution: Western Pacific.

Notes:

Spotted this clever little critter in 15m of water at the Dayang Beach dive site (Talikud Island, Samal), measuring less than the size of a tennis ball. As I approached, it hid inside an empty clam shell (the original occupant of which, I assume, the octopus had previously ingested). But I saw its tentacles just before it pulled the shell shut. I waited patiently, and it eventually peeked out, and I could see it was grasping either side of the shell with its tentacles, resisting any intrusion. Amazing how clever it can be!