A MORNINGTON Peninsula diver has made a remarkable underwater discovery that is sending ripples of excitement through the marine world.
Emily May, of Tootgarook, had a recent encounter with a rare frilled pygmy octopus (Octopus superciliossuss) on Portsea West Reef, and was able to capture some video and photos of her amazing find. Her footage has been confirmed as the first taken of this species in the wild and only the second viewing in the wild. All other footage was taken at the aquarium at Queenscliff Discovery Centre in the late 1990s. May said this was confirmed by Dr Julian Finn of Museums Victoria, who is an expert on marine life in Port Phillip.
“I am beyond thrilled to have seen and been able to document [the octopus],” she said. May was able to photograph the shy octopus after a drift dive off Portsea pier when it jumped from a buoyancy control device into the water.
Little is known about the frilled pygmy octopus, as they are elusive and tiny. “Since my observation, my footage has been shared by PADI – the Professional Association of Diving Instructors – the most recognised dive training organisation worldwide), Instagram account to over one million followers, OctoNation – the world’s largest octopus account with 409k followers and co-author of recent National Geographic book, Secrets of an Octopus, whose owner actually discussed my sighting on the press tour of the new book on American news, and various other accounts.
“This rare sighting is huge news, not only for marine enthusiasts, the scuba diving community and octopus fans, but also for the Mornington Peninsula.” OctoNation described the octopus as “so elusive it makes Bigfoot look like a social butterfly”. May describes exploring underwater as a “way of life”.
First published in the Mornington News – 14th May 2024
