Stalker.mp4

That seems like an odd statement. Possibly Dr, Hanlon needs to define what constitutes, "stalking behavior" as like the controversial, "no personality" observations, the definition may define the difference in what is generally thought of as stalking.

I too am curious what is defined as stalking. I have seen O. rubescens spend a considerable amount of time "creeping" up in prey before pouncing. This happens more when fed shrimp than crabs. Is that not stalking?

I should have included that the "stalking" behavior we see in LPSOs is generally elicited by large shrimp. LPSOs show most of the other predatory tactics when capturing other types of prey - pounce, web-cast, prob, etc.

A close relative of LPSOs, O. chierchiae exhibits similar stalking behavior when capturing shrimp except that the distance over which the animal moves is usually less.

Hello, my name is Andrea Impera, I study the ethology of the Octopus vulgaris (Type I) for about 30 years in the Mediterranean Sea. the behavior of these animals can be very complex because it can diversify individually. This is because octopus meets environment and very different animals. I have observed this behavior many times and in my opinion it occurs when the octopus is not sure of being able to capture its prey. then he observes and follows to confirm that he will succeed in his business. He does not want to waste energy. Shrimp and fish move smoothly and are never easy to catch for an octopus ...