Crescent Octopus

Last weekend I found this unusual little octopus in a cavern at Honaunau. I was photographing a Sculptured Slipper Lobster when I noticed the "background" moving. It turned out to be a seldom-seen Crescent Octopus (Octopus hawaiiensis) and a first sighting for me.

Photo Copyright 2011 by Barry Fackler

This is a small octopus with a body smaller than a ping-pong ball and the tips of the tentacles all appear to be curled. Its movements appeared somewhat jerky compared to those of the common Day Octopus (Octopus cyanea).

Photo Copyright 2011 by Barry Fackler

It was a nice discovery in a little nook in the reef that was packed with invertebrates. In addition to this octo and the slipper lobster, there was also a large Flameback Shrimp just outside these frames.