For the First Time, Scientists Capture Footage of Harbor Seals Attacking and Eating Giant Pacific Octopus on the Ocean Floor.
Harbor seal attacking a giant Pacific octopus. (Video: Scuba Max).
Divers off the coast of Nanoose Bay, Vancouver Island, Canada, witnessed a fierce attack by harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) targeting a giant Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini), as reported by Earth Touch News on February 13.
The giant Pacific octopus, along with the seven-arm octopus (Haliphron atlanticus), is among the largest octopus species in the world. The giant Pacific octopus can weigh over 45 kg (99 lbs) and reach lengths of up to 6 meters (20 feet).
Marine biologist Maxime Veilleux, one of the two divers who witnessed the attack, noted that the octopus in the video was a male measuring approximately 2 meters (6.5 feet) long. It inked in an attempt to escape from the harbor seal. However, the predator managed to catch its prey, ultimately tearing off one of the octopus’s eight arms. The defeated octopus fled with seven arms remaining, while the harbor seal surfaced to enjoy its hard-earned meal. Veilleux mentioned that octopuses have the ability to regrow their limbs.
The harbor seal catches its prey, ultimately tearing off one of the octopus’s eight arms.
The seal’s attack occurred near sunset, the perfect time to observe the giant Pacific octopus. This creature typically hides in underwater caves during the day, then hunts crabs, clams, fish, and other organisms at night. However, they don’t always stick to this routine. In 2012, giant Pacific octopuses were observed preying on seagulls during the day off the coast of Victoria, British Columbia.
The incident in Nanoose Bay is not the first documented hunt of the giant Pacific octopus by harbor seals. However, it is the only hunt captured on film underwater to date, according to Veilleux. Previously, such scenes were often observed on the water’s surface.
Harbor seals are not the only predators of the giant Pacific octopus. They are also preyed upon by other finned animals, including Steller sea lions and various species of sharks.
