DSC_5454 Hutton's Octopus (Octopus huttoni) of the 42 species of octopus in NZ, only a couple are commonly encountered. The small fist-sized Hutton's octopus is sometimes found in rock pools, as are juvenile Common octopus, however as common octopus grow, they move into deeper water further out on the reef. Otago Harbour
DSC_2068 Hutton's Octopus (Octopus huttoni) feeding on shore crab. The small fist-sized Hutton's octopus is sometimes found in rock pools, as are juvenile Common octopus, however as common octopus grow, they move into deeper water further out on the reef. Otago Harbour *
DSC_9546 Hutton's Octopus (Octopus huttoni) female octopus lay their eggs in clusters and attach them to rocky overhangs. Unlike many molluscs, octopus provide maternal care to their developing embryos. As well as guarding her eggs, she carefully cleans them with her tentacles, and aerates the water surrounding them with her siphon (shown). Aquarium Point, Otago Harbour *
