Lizard Island Research Station Documents Octopus Hunting and Mating Behavior

Researchers from the Lizard Island Reef Research Foundation observed a pair of Reef Octopus (Octopus cyanea) exhibiting hunting and reproductive behaviors at Watson's Bay on Jiigurru (Lizard Island) in the Great Barrier Reef. The female octopus actively searched for prey while being followed by a male displaying courtship coloration. The male attempted mating multiple times using a specialized arm called a hectocotylus. The observation, captured on video using natural light, provides insight into cephalopod behavior and neural capabilities. The footage was shared by Dr. Andy Lewis of the Coral Sea Foundation during an expedition supported by Olympus and Sea Women Great Barrier Reef.