Octopus found on a beachy shoreline, in a Bay, in northern Florida, today nearly beaching itself. It had no fear of me. I have been all over this place, in the water and out of the water, for many years and have never seen this.
I am judging by the sluggishness of this octopus and the dark coloration against the sand, this Octopus maybe unhealthy? Can anyone verify this? Is it dying or in shock? I have never seen one in the bay- it is about six miles from the Gulf's seawater. It was alive and moving but the tentacles were curling. I find it surprising this one is in the bay. Our water is cold, slightly lower salinity, but surprisingly warmer this time of year. We have a had very warm winter so far with one freeze (32 degrees) two days ago.
Does anyone understand this behavior? If it is still there tomorrow should I place a pvc pipe near the octopus for it to hide? I can take the pipe to the oyster reef nearby, if anyone feels this creature may survive.
Thank you for your comments.
I am judging by the sluggishness of this octopus and the dark coloration against the sand, this Octopus maybe unhealthy? Can anyone verify this? Is it dying or in shock? I have never seen one in the bay- it is about six miles from the Gulf's seawater. It was alive and moving but the tentacles were curling. I find it surprising this one is in the bay. Our water is cold, slightly lower salinity, but surprisingly warmer this time of year. We have a had very warm winter so far with one freeze (32 degrees) two days ago.
Does anyone understand this behavior? If it is still there tomorrow should I place a pvc pipe near the octopus for it to hide? I can take the pipe to the oyster reef nearby, if anyone feels this creature may survive.
Thank you for your comments.