The approach
by Nirav Shah
Title
The approach
Artist
Nirav Shah
Medium
Photograph - Digital Photo
Description
I was ridiculously lucky to witness a pair of octopuses go at it, so to speak, during my dive in the rich waters of Watamu Marine Park Kenya. Here we see an pair of big blue octopuses or day octopuses of variable colouration mating near a crevice in the coral reefs. Soon after they fought briefly.
Octopuses are a masters of camouflage and can rapidly change the colour and texture of their skin to blend in with the reef environment.
They are typically solitary so to see more than one and in particular mating, is fairly rare.
The mating process is remakably complex and potentially deadly due to the cannibalistic tendencies of the female. Males have a modified third arm known as a hectocotylus which they use to inject sperm into the female's mantle.
Uploaded
December 16th, 2023
Embed
Share
Similar Images
Comments (4)
Gary F Richards
Spectacular The Approach composition, lighting, shading, excellent colors and artwork! F/L voted
Nirav Shah replied:
Thank you, Gary! I appreciate the support and I am thrilled to know that it made it to your favourites!
Robin Amaral
Nirav, incredible underwater photograph with amazing textures, colors and sea life. Truely fascinating.
Nirav Shah replied:
Thank you, Robin. The underwater world is indeed fascinating, and it's a thrill to capture these scenes underwater and a joy to share them. I appreciate the follow too and many more photos to come :)
Anthony Jones
Beautiful work! Thank you for submitting your artwork to the Underwater Photographer Group where the image is now featured on the home page. L/F
Nirav Shah replied:
I am honoured to learn that my photo has been featured in the group! Thank you so much for the like and picking this image as a favourite. The support and extra exposure motivates me to continue taking more underwater photos :)
Ann Pride
The octopus is such a marvelous creature. I love the stories I hear about these fabulous souls of the deep. Great shot Nirav
Nirav Shah replied:
Truly, they are! Incredibly intelligent and amazing biological adaptations that help them to survive underwater. Thank you for visiting and it's ace to see this in your favourites :)
Recently Viewed
