A Rare Encounter With A Female Octopus
Blanket octopuses usually occur in epipelagic tropical waters. Unlike other octopus species, they do not dwell on the seafloor but rather swim perpetually in the open seas. For this reason, it is not so easy to come across one.
Limited sightings mean that clear footages such as this one are uncommon and precious. This closeup view of the female Blanket Octopus is simply mesmerizing. How can we tell that this individual is a female? Simply because only females of this species possess this colorful extended web we call a blanket.
Such vivid and captivating colors as the ones on the blanket of this octopus could lead to the assumption that the females of this species are somewhat narcissistic. But the truth is that the use of the blanket is much more practical and less ornamental.
Unfolding The Blanket
Notice how the blanket is almost nowhere to be seen in the beginning of this short video? It gradually unfolds as the video progresses.
The blanket, as mentioned above, has a very practical use: it is an effective defense mechanism against the deadly predators of the blanket octopus, such as sharks or tunas. Fully extended, the colorful blanket makes this octopus seem bigger and more dangerous, and therefore a riskier and less appealing meal.
Not only that, but if the attacker is not convinced to retreat, the blanket of these female octopuses can be shed. It will provide a distraction and allow them to flee, or even get in the way and entangle the hunter. Finally, less hungry predators might be satisfied with consuming the membranous blanket and forget about their victims completely.
In the case of this video, the unfolding of the blanket is most probably a response to the divers. Poor girl, in her effort to scare off these strange-looking pursuers, she is offering them an even more sought-after spectacle.
