The eight-armed enigma, known as the seven-arm octopus, graces the ocean depths, challenging its misnomer. This sizable cephalopod, among the largest in its class, remains a cryptic resident of the deep sea, seldom revealing itself to human observers.
In the coastal ballet of Washington’s underwater realms, a diver’s camera recently caught a spellbinding performance by an otherworldly octopus—an elusive cephalopod whose usual residence lies in the profound embrace of the deep sea. This cryptic creature, bearing signs of recent skirmishes suggestive of a dance with a cookiecutter shark, emerged from the ocean’s depths to grace the shallow waters along the state’s coastline.
Underwater maestro Eric Askilsrud, positioned in Washington, unraveled this mesmerizing spectacle on September 8 during a dive at Tongue Point in the Salish Sea, near the Canadian border. Within the poetic dance of a kelp canopy, Askilsrud chanced upon the cephalopod in the shallows, measuring around 3 feet in length. Initially mistaken for a kelp tangle, the octopus unveiled itself as a truly extraordinary, almost alien-like presence, suspended motionless with its tentacles gracefully draping downward.
With intrigue lighting his path, Askilsrud sought the wisdom of Gregory Jensen, a marine biologist at the University of Washington, to decode the identity of this enigmatic oceanic performer. Jensen revealed the star of the show to be a seven-arm octopus (Haliphron atlanticus)—a species that seldom graces the human gaze due to its deep-sea proclivities.
This captivating underwater rendezvous not only exposes the ethereal beauty of an uncommon marine denizen but also invites us to witness the intricate choreography of life beneath the ocean’s surface. In this aquatic theater, where the unexpected takes center stage, the alien-like octopus becomes the protagonist of a narrative that unfolds in the depths, leaving us in awe of the wonders that lurk beneath the waves.
In the mystical realm of the ocean, the seven-arm octopus, affectionately dubbed blob octopus or septopus, emerges as a colossal figure among its cephalopod counterparts, boasting an impressive length of around 11 feet (3.4 m). Despite its name, this enigmatic creature paradoxically possesses eight arms. Yet, the males harbor a secret—the hectocotylus, a specialized arm crucial for fertilizing eggs, discreetly concealed beneath their right eye. It is this distinctive feature that sparked the captivating moniker.
Thriving in the profound depths, far removed from the embrace of shores, these elusive beings remain shrouded in mystery. Insights into their intriguing behaviors and characteristics often unfold through the lens of remotely operated vehicle (ROV) footage or serendipitous encounters, like the one documented along the Puget Sound shores in Washington back in 2020. The seven-arm octopus, with its mystical allure, continues to bewitch marine researchers and enthusiasts, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of oceanic wonders.
In the ethereal realm beneath the ocean’s surface, a mesmerizing spectacle unfolded in 2017 as an ROV from MBARI captured a seven-arm octopus engaged in a delicate feast on an egg-yolk jellyfish (Phacellophora camtschatica). This enchanting display suggested a distinctive dietary preference, with these enigmatic cephalopods seemingly favoring slow-moving jellyfish over the typical fare of fish or crustaceans.
The narrative deepens as we delve into the mysterious realm of potential predators. A recent sighting of a seven-arm octopus adorned with peculiar round markings sparks curiosity, pointing towards the elusive cookiecutter shark (Isistius brasiliensis). Known for its peculiar habit of leaving eerily circular bites on diverse marine creatures, this small shark emerges as a potential protagonist in the oceanic drama.
As the underwater stage continues to unveil its secrets, another act in the Salish Sea adds an intriguing twist. Cam Polglase’s footage, captured on September 17 near Victoria in British Columbia—just 23 miles from the previously recorded Tongue Point—raises questions about whether this convergence is a mere coincidence or if a mysterious force draws these octopuses into shallower waters. The enigma persists, inviting us to explore the depths of the ocean’s mysteries with a sense of wonder and awe.