An Eight-Armed Thief and His Self Portrait
The Giant Pacific Octopus
I enjoyed frequenting Sund Rock in Hoodsport, Washington. One of my favorite local dive sites where I was almost always guaranteed wolf eel and octopus sightings! On this one particular dive with friends, I ventured to check on a resident octopus and to our surprise found him outside his den just chilling. It was a missed opportunity for a great wide-angle photo since I had my macro lens on. Nevertheless, I set up my camera and strobes, then approached ever so slowly. As I framed my shot and snapped a photo, he suddenly moved. However, to my shock and initial delight, he was moving towards me, reaching for my camera. Surely after a little taste he would realize it was nothing edible…
Before I could process what was happening, the octopus had engulfed my entire camera. Tentacles wrapped around my hand while others worked their way up the camera lanyard that was clipped to my gear. Signaling my buddies, they rushed back to help peel the octopus off me and my camera. Meanwhile, the crafty cephalopod secured a strong hold under the rocks and dragged my strobe arm into his den.
Beauty and the beast were now at odds! Desperate to retrieve my rather expensive gear, I tried various tactics, from an all-out tug-of-war to a peace offering of crab and other critters. But despite the 280 suction cups on each arm, that octopus was no sucker and remained as stubborn as a toddler. In the midst of our struggle for ownership, one of us hit the shutter button and captured this portrait of the suction cups on the lens proof of our frolic under the waves.
With bottom time running low, I reluctantly released the Kraken by detaching the camera from strobe, saving most of my setup.
Returning the next morning, the octopus was back in his den and showed no interest in us. Despite searching tirelessly, the missing strobe has remained elusive to this day.
In the end, it was an expensive dive with a memorable tale to share, albeit with an interesting conversation with my insurance agent.
I heard the same octopus stole a wrist light the following weekend – who knew cephalopods could have a light fetish?
This is available as a limited edition print in metal or acrylic ready to hang in your home or office.
Fun Facts!
The Giant Pacific Octopus is the largest in the world, normally growing to about 16 feet in length and weighing more than 100 pounds.
They have 9-brains! One in the main body area and one smaller brain in each arm which allows each arm to act independently.
They have 3-hearts and copper-blue blood.
They are super strong with 2,240 extraordinarily complex sensory suction cups that can taste, smell, and grab. The larger suckers can hold up to 35 pounds each.
Octopi or Octopuses
While octopi is a commonly used plural form, it is technically incorrect since octopus is not of Latin origin. Octopus comes from the Greek word októpous, which means “eight-footed. In Greek, the plural form is octopodes. However, octopuses, is the preferred plural when speaking and writing in English.
Limited Edition - Underwater Photography Prints
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This is available as a limited edition of 6 prints in your choice of metal or acrylic ready to hang in your home or office.
Each fine art print comes with a certificate of authenticity and is signed on back by the artist.
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