New Zealand Seashore

IMG_6369 Reef octopus, or wheke (Macroctopus maorum) In late autumn and early winter, once breeding is finished, mature octopus die. This often coincides with cold, frosty nights, which leave dead octopus to wash ashore along the harbour's edge, where they are fed upon by crabs and gulls. Macandrew Bay, Otago Harbour *

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IMG_6369 Reef octopus, or wheke (Macroctopus maorum) In late autumn and early winter, once breeding is finished, mature octopus die. This often coincides with cold, frosty nights, which leave dead octopus to wash ashore along the harbour's edge, where they are fed upon by crabs and gulls. Macandrew Bay, Otago Harbour *

IMG 6369 Reef octopus wheke Macroctopus maorum autumn winter mature octopus dead washed ashore harbour edge Macandrew Bay Otago Harbour