Octopus vulgaris. During a steady gliding approach with colours and pattern changing, the exhalent funnel is directed backwards to give a sudden jet propelled lunge to grab a crab. April 2011. Sublittoral. Faro, Portugal. Species Octopus vulgaris Photographer / copyright holder João Pedro Silva http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpsilva1971/
Octopus vulgaris. Dymantic display: sudden paling, with darkening around eyes to make them look larger, startles an attacker and gives time for escape. Species Octopus vulgaris Photographer / copyright holder João Pedro Silva http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpsilva1971/
Octopus vulgaris. Crab enveloped by spread arms and web from rear to avoid claws. Held while pierced by horny beak, subdued by venom, injected with digestive enzymes and ingested in semi-liquid form. April 2011. Sublittoral. Faro, Portugal. Species Octopus vulgaris Photographer / copyright holder João Pedro Silva http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpsilva1971/
Octopus vulgaris. Primarily a benthic animal, spending much time in its lair among rocks waiting for passing prey. Brown and white body and purplish tentacles well camouflaged against similar rocks. Species Octopus vulgaris Photographer / copyright holder João Pedro Silva http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpsilva1971/
Octopus vulgaris. Each arm has two rows of suckers. Each sucker in one line sometimes level with a gap in the other. November 2011. Sublittoral. Setúbal, Portugal. Species Octopus vulgaris Photographer / copyright holder João Pedro Silva http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpsilva1971/
Octopus vulgaris. Eye aperture can be opened wide in low light. March 2005. Sublittoral. Leiria, Portugal. Species Octopus vulgaris Photographer / copyright holder João Pedro Silva http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpsilva1971/
Octopus vulgaris. Pupils are horizontal slits, so slit aperture permits good vision. July 2012. Sublittoral. Setúbal, Portugal. Species Octopus vulgaris Photographer / copyright holder João Pedro Silva http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpsilva1971/
Octopus vulgaris. Large, highly-developed eyes on dorsal mounds tilted forwards and focussed on a crab during glide approach. April 2011. Sublittoral. Faro, Portugal. Species Octopus vulgaris Photographer / copyright holder João Pedro Silva http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpsilva1971/
Octopus vulgaris. Large, highly-developed eyes on raised dorsal darkened mounds. December 2011. Sublittoral. Setúbal, Portugal. Species Octopus vulgaris Photographer / copyright holder João Pedro Silva http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpsilva1971/
Octopus vulgaris. Large, highly-developed eyes on raised dorsal lobose mounds. This form justifies the occasionally used alternative name “devilfish”. August 2011. Sublittoral. Setúbal, Portugal. Species Octopus vulgaris Photographer / copyright holder João Pedro Silva http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpsilva1971/
