i have photographed the hawaiian daytime octopus on multiple occasions and have never seen anything like this. i was lucky enough to intercept this one as it was shooting across the shallows from one patch of reef to another. although it did not ink, after a quick dart to its left, it hulted and took flower shape. i can only assume this was in attempts to intimidate me. the interaction only lasted a couple of seconds before it went to blend in with the reef, leaving me amazed.
sometimesiamdead on December 11st, 2017 at 03:27 UTC »
Almost looks painted. Such a beautiful octopus.
86hawkeye on December 11st, 2017 at 05:50 UTC »
It's getting ready to fight off the night octopus.
disposablecouture on December 11st, 2017 at 06:36 UTC »
Photographers comments
http://yourshot.nationalgeographic.com/photos/11241484/