David Paul
Octopus Paralarvae, 2000

Natural Science Photograph; 35mm camera; Fuji Velvia film dpimages,

Victoria, Australia

Photographed in the Coral Sea, Far North Queensland, this octopus paralarvae is a pelagic juvenile of an unknown species collected at night over deep water. On moonless nights, small planktonic marine life migrate to the surface to feed. They can be found by doing a “black water hang,” diving behind the boat on a rope and viewing at close proximity with peripheral flashlight for illumination. The creature’s actual size is about 15 mm from the top to bottom— or the length of its mantle, or body.

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