Mototi Octopus with Eggs

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 crevices, empty shells, and the like. They occur at depths of 1 to 40m. Distribution: Western Pacific.

Notes:

This octopus was perched on a piece of wood, unmoving and unafraid of the divers that were surrounding her. Even when one of us accidentally bumped the wood, she didn't budge at all. This was at the Dayang Beach dive site, in about 15m of water. Only when I showed my pictures to others did I find out that she was protecting her eggs (check out the 2nd photo). Now I wish I'd taken more shots and a better video!!