Mating pair of day octopuses

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Mating pair of day octopuses

Mating pair of day octopuses (Octopus cyanea) on a wreck. The male is at left and the female at right. The day octopus, also known as the common reef octopus, feeds mainly on crustaceans. It can change the colour and texture of its skin to camouflage itself from predators and prey. It spends much of its time hiding in a den. Unusually for an octopus it is active by day. Photographed in the Red Sea, off the coast of Egypt

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 6308785

© GEORGETTE DOUWMA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Africa African Animal Behaviour Big Blue Octopus Cephalopod Common Reef Octopus Coral Reef Corals Cyanes Octopus Day Octopus Diurnal Egypt Floor Mollusc Mollusk Octopi Octopus Octopus Cyanea Pacific Ocean Re Production Reaching Red Sea Sea Bed Ship Wreck Sunken Tentacle Tropic Tropics Wild Mating Pair

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a mesmerizing sight - a mating pair of day octopuses gracefully perched on a sunken wreck in the Red Sea. The male, positioned on the left, and the female, on the right, exhibit stunning hues that blend seamlessly with their surroundings. Known as Octopus cyanea or common reef octopuses, these fascinating creatures primarily nourish themselves with crustaceans. What sets this species apart is its remarkable ability to alter both color and texture of its skin for effective camouflage against predators and prey alike. Despite being predominantly nocturnal creatures, these day octopuses defy convention by remaining active during daylight hours. The photograph captures an intimate moment between two individuals engaged in reproduction. It offers us a glimpse into their intricate world beneath the ocean's surface. As they reach out towards each other with their tentacles delicately intertwined, we witness nature's beauty unfold before our eyes. Taken off the coast of Egypt in the Red Sea, this image highlights not only the diversity of marine life but also sheds light on animal behavior and biology within coral reefs. It serves as a reminder of how interconnected ecosystems are and emphasizes our responsibility to protect these fragile environments for future generations to appreciate.

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