Check Out This Video Of A Giant Octopus Engulfing A Diver

You have to see this video to believe it. The incredible footage was shot by Dennis Chow off the coast of Vancouver Island British Columbia. Mr Chow and his friends Shaz and Wez were diving when they came across a Giant Pacific Octopus that was trying to conceal itself between the rocks and plant life of a wall. As their name suggests, these octopuses are big and can grow to a span of 16 feet and weigh in excess of 110 pounds.

Blending into its surroundings

As you watch the amazing footage you will see the octopus transform itself to blend in to his surroundings. The amazing thing about this phenomenon is that octopuses are actually colour blind yet they still have this remarkable ability to duplicate the colour and texture of their surroundings if they feel threatened. Fortunately for the group they were not amateur divers but instead experienced instructors and dive shop owners.

Coaxing the octopus

This means at no time was the octopus put at risk and its safety and well-being was at the top of the list of priorities for the divers. As you watch the video you will see one diver gently coaxing the octopus out from his hiding place to get a better sense of the impressive size of the creature. You will then start to see the octopus respond by also checking out the diver and extending a few tentacles to test what was near.

Swallowing the diver

The octopus then begins to fully engage with the diver, whilst her compatriot stayed close by to ensure she remained safe at all times. Octopuses tend to engulf their prey and this encounter was no different as the octopus attempted to do this with the diver. Once their prey which is usually crustaceans like crabs have been engulfed, they are injected with saliva that paralyses them and then they dismember their food using their beaks. Fortunately for the diver, this did not happen and eventually her fellow group member decided it was time for the octopus to be released so he could head back into his normal habitat. Its an amazing bit of undersea footage and well worth watching. Check it out.