Queensland has nearly 7,000km of coastline with rocky shores, coral reefs, sandy plains and seagrass meadows that incredible octopuses call home.
Octopuses possess otherworldly bodies and powers we could only dream of.
These include arms that taste, two extra hearts and liquid-like bodies that enable them to ooze in and out of tight spaces.
The diversity is extraordinary, ranging from contortionists, illusionists and even flamboyant oceanic drama queens that detach body parts.
By walking along the shallows, rock pooling, snorkelling or scuba diving, you can get a glimpse into the magical world of these marine animals.
But be warned, they can be tricky to find, especially when they don’t want to be seen.
Octopuses are renowned masterful escape artists, capable of shapeshifting and pretending to be anything other than what they really are.
A day octopus at arm's length. Photo Alamy.
One of the largest, the day octopus, reaches 1m and tips the scales at an impressive 6kg. As the name suggests, it’s active on coral reefs during the day.
Like most octopuses, they’re brilliant at disappearing into their surroundings.
They do this by changing the colour and texture of their skin. They can do this quicker than you can blink despite the fact they’re colour blind.
The day octopus does it better than most, with more colour-changing cells on their boneless bodies than any other species.
Like most octopuses, they’re brilliant at disappearing into their surroundings.
They do this by changing the colour and texture of their skin. They can do this quicker than you can blink despite the fact they’re colour blind.
The day octopus does it better than most, with more colour-changing cells on their boneless bodies than any other species.
Although not as sophisticated in the colour-changing department, the tiny algae octopus has another clever camouflage strategy.
It changes the texture of its skin and waves its arms in the water to mimic marine algae or seaweed.
At only 4cm, it helps keep this little bit of protein from becoming a tasty snack.
If this doesn’t fool any would-be predators, they can drop their arms like a lizard's tail for a quick escape.
Living in sandy environments with few places to find shelter, the coconut octopus has learned to use old shells and even coconuts as a mobile fortress.
When trouble swims its way, this crafty cephalopod tucks itself inside, fastening the shells together with its suckers.
When not used, it carries the shells, so it’s always ready for trouble. It’s one of the few animals on the planet that has been shown to use tools.
A poison ocellate octopus strikes a pose. Photo Alamy.
The poison ocellate octopus doesn’t need to use discarded objects to protect itself. Active during the night along sandy and coral bommies, its trademark move is to make itself look more intimidating.
It does this by flashing a pretend pair of bright blue fake eyes (Note: Ocellate is the scientific term for these eye-like spots).
In nature, big eyes usually mean big trouble. It’s a clever bluff that makes potential predators think twice about biting off more than they can chew.
For those who are more adventurous, exploring the coastline at low tide or snorkelling the shallows of a sheltered bay with a waterproof torch is an opportunity to see some fascinating nocturnal species that emerge at night to feed.
It includes blue-ringed octopuses, a species averaging the size of a golf ball and named for the blue rings or lines they display on their bodies when threatened.
Despite their size they have a fearsome reputation as some of the world’s deadliest animals.
It’s thanks to the venomous saliva they use to paralyse their prey. But don’t be scared unless you're a crab; humans aren’t on the menu.
To keep yourself safe and to not wake a blue-ringed octopus when they’re sleeping, don’t place your hands into crevices or under rocks where you can’t see them.
White-striped octopuses have a combination of spots and stripes.
These can brighten and contrast with a body that deepens in red colouration.
Unlike the ‘blueys’, scientists aren’t sure if this is to disrupt their body shape or serve as a warning to other predators and the octopuses aren’t telling.
We know that after a big night on the hunt, they retire to their dens, blocking the entrance with coral and rocks. It's octopus code for ‘please do not disturb’.
Beyond the shoreline in the open ocean are some of the more unusual octopuses that never set an arm on the seafloor.
The greater argonaut, or paper nautilus, is an example.
Females create their trademark delicate, shell-like structures to help regulate their buoyancy in the water column and as a mobile nursery to protect their young. With no ‘shell’, males hijack passing jellies, using them as a taxi service, bodyguard and snack bar.
One of the most flamboyant un-octopus-like species is the blanket octopus.
Females are fashioned with a vibrant flowing ‘cape’ or ‘blanket’, which they flash at the first sign of trouble to look more intimidating.
If that fails, their cape can be cast off as a decoy to make a dramatic exit. Luckily, the cape can be regrown.
Males, who are 40,000 times lighter than the females (the largest size difference in the animal kingdom) and with no cape at their disposal, protect themselves by stealing the stinging tentacles from the Portuguese man o’war, which they use as lethal stun guns.
Queensland’s waters boast some of the country’s most unique marine life, and its diversity of octopuses is undoubtedly some of the most extraordinary.
Finding one is like winning the ultimate game of hide-and-seek.
Whether snorkelling on a coral reef or exploring rock pools at low tide, keep an eye out for movement.
That piece of seaweed, or that rock, might just come alive and sprout arms right before your eyes, giving you a glimpse into octopuses' fascinating and wonderfully weird lives.
Octopuses Underwater Wonders
Want to learn more?
Marine biologist Sheree Marris has a new book Octopuses Underwater Wonders that explores octopuses in detail. Buy a copy at octopusbook.com and use the code ‘RACQ’ for a 15% discount.
Top photo: A white-striped Octopus on the sea floor. Photo Alamy.