Rippling through the shallows

With an arm span of up to 3m, the Maori Octopus (Octopus maorum) is AustraliaÕs largest species of octopus. These hyper-intelligent creatures usually stick to shallow rocky reefs and kelp forests for their preferred habitat. However, this particularly curious individual was seen exploring the narrow creek system within the saltmarshes at Marion Bay, Tasmania. They can also be encountered along Eaglehawk Neck, where the species is recreationally fished when moon and tide conditions align. Interestingly, the local lobster fishery is challenged by the oceanic predator, as they often break into pots leaving only an empty lobster shell behind.