"With excitement, we were both screaming into our snorkels."
Recently, while diving along the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of
Australia, Natasha Agra and a buddy saw something peculiar.
They had no idea that they were going to come into contact with a
particularly elusive species.
We weren't sure what it was at first, Agra told The Dodo.
But later, they drew nearer.
Agra and her companion got closer and saw that it was an octopus. But they
could tell since they were marine biologists that she wasn't just any
octopus.
She belonged to the multicolored blanket octopus species, which is highly
uncommon and distinguished by its flowing, drape-like appearance.
"When this free-swimming, stunning animal appeared in front of us, we were
both shocked!" said Agra. "With excitement, we were both screaming into our
snorkels."
Thankfully, they were able to gather themselves long enough to get this
breathtaking footage:
This species often lives in the open ocean's deep waters. However, this
particular octopus seems at ease being seen closer to the beach.
Agra said, "[She] put on quite a show."
The octopus eventually moved on after around 30 minutes, but not before
leaving Agra and her companion with a memorable experience.
Undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, according to Agra.
Tags:
animals