Night Dive In the Salish Sea
The Giant Pacific Octopus is the largest octopus species. As its name suggests, it occurs in the Pacific Ocean, and more specifically in the northern part of it.
This video was shot in the Hood Canal, which is a natural fjord in the Salish Sea and the home to many shellfish species. No wonder why shellfish-loving octopuses can also been seen here…
The Giant Pacific Octopus is also a resident of the Canal. According to local experts, the best time of the day to observe these fearful predators is during a night dive.
Even Giant Octopuses Are Hard To Find
Being considerably larger than most octopuses, one would assume that the Giant Pacific Octopus would be easier to spot.
Nevertheless, the Giant Pacific Octopus (GPO for short) is no less capable of blending in with its surrounding environment than the rest of the octopus species. Its skin color and texture changes make it almost invisible and therefore challenging to spot.
Also, despite their larger size, these octopuses can squeeze through tiny openings and hide within crevices that appear too small to be a hideout for such a large animal.
Luckily, there is one way to tell if an octopus is around: the leftovers from a GPO’s meal, that is, empty shells scattered around the area where this octopus resides. This trail of body parts remains lead the narrator to the cave where a 15 feet long GPO is to be found.
This curious giant decides to do some exploring of its own: it wants to feel and taste the diver’s glove, an experience which might be a bit daunting even for the most courageous divers.
Baby Giants Grow Fast
The GPO has an incredibly fast growth rate. According to this video, the mother GPO gives birth to about 100.000 eggs. When these eggs hatch, the babies weigh as little as one thousandth of an ounch whereas an adult GPO can grow to a hundred pounds of more.
This growth rate is inconceivable when compared to the human standards. GPO hatchlings increase their body size by 1 per cent on a daily basis. Very soon, they will be true giants, measuring 8 to 16 feet in length and weighing 80 to 160 pounds.
