The above Videos are quite large
files Try Ipod Video
Windows Video has some still
pictures of a recent Blanket Octopus spotting
Videos were on Mike's Wreck (Acorn) 04 Feb 2011
Description: Body plus longest arm 120" (3 m) long. Globe-shaped,
with 4 pairs of arms. Usually reddish-brown; color highly variable.
Thick
arms 4 times length of mantle; with 2 alternating rows of suckers;
tubular
siphon under neck; head almost as broad as body, eyes high on sides of
head.
Skin mostly smooth, but can temporarily raise variously shaped bumps.
Habitat: Among rocks and coral reefs near shore; near low-tide line and
below
in shallow water.
Range: Connecticut to Florida and Texas; Mexico; West Indies.
Notes: This octopus is secretive, hiding during the day in crevices and
caves
and under rocks. Small specimens may be found above the low-tide line.
The
Briar Octopus (0. briareus) ranges from southern Florida throughout the
West
Indies, among coral rocks and reefs, and in turtle grass beds. Its
length
is 18" (46 cm), its arms are thick at the base and over 5 times the
mantle
length. It is usually pinkish-brown, but changeable, and its skin is
smooth
or finely granular.
Source:
Audubon Society Field Guide to N. Amer. Seashore Creatures;
pg 579;
plate 480;
Size: 15-28 inches;
Depth: usually shallow water;
Only the
Common Octopus seen in the open during the day;
The
Caribbean Octopus seen in the open only at night.
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