This octopus occurs on sand and mud substrates, often in association with sponge gardens or beds of large solitary sea squirts. Its diet consists mainly of bivalves, which are pulled apart or drilled. It emerges at night to feed, hiding during the day in rubble or human refuse (such as bottles). This octopus lays large eggs that are attached singly to the roof of crevices or discarded bottles. The well-developed hatchlings already have good skin sculpture and camouflage. They crawl away after hatching and immediately start to forage. This octopus was previously harvested in Port Phillip in baitless pot fisheries. It was sold for human consumption and used as bait. |
