MEET THE MARINE LIFE
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Image credit: YVONNE OATES
CURLED OCTOPUS
Scientific name: Eledone cirrhosa
A richly coloured and fascinating species of octopus that can be found on the peripherals of the British Isles.
Image credit: KENNACK DIVING
Finding home in the rocky beds below the surface of our British coastline is the curled octopus, also known as the lesser, or the horned, octopus.
A defining feature of this adorable cephalopod is the tentacles that each possess a single row of suckers and sit in a perfect curl as the octopus rests on the sea bed – an endearing display of rust coloured ringlets.
Their arms are moderately short and slender compared to other species, and their larger bodies are covered with a smooth, finely tuberculate skin sporting closely-set granules, interspersed with larger warts, making for a particularly visually fascinating species of octopus.
These stunning specimens range from gorgeous shades of yellow to rich reds, oranges and browns, dotted with patches of rust and creamy white underneath.
Image credit: YVONNE OATES
Image credit: STEPHEN CHAMPION
DID YOU KNOW...?
The curled octopus can change the colour of its skin to match its background?
While we might admire this creature for its striking appearance, the curled octopus has a secret talent that has often meant its survival in the wilds of the Atlantic ocean.
When approached by danger, the usually vibrant octopus has the ability to change the colour of its skin to match its environment and hide in plain sight amongst the rocks and sand from any predators, much like a chameleon.
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