Octopus and Cuttlefish
Octopuses and cuttlefish are mollusks
Common octopuses (Octopus vulgaris): They are indeed common but difficult to see because they blend in completely with the rocks thanks to their mimicry. Not only does their color change like chameleons but also the texture of their skin!! Incredible to observe. They live in a hole in the rock in front of which they place pebbles. If you move a pebble, they take out a tentacle and put it back! When I am lucky enough to see one hunting, it is an extraordinary spectacle. It lands on a small rock, stretches out and its stretched skin takes on a blue color, feels under the rock with its tentacles and continues further. Their blood is blue because it is based on copper and not iron like us. If frightened, they swim quickly by a propulsion system (orange siphon), head forward and tentacles elongated behind; splendid! Also watch the films below.
Common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis): I only had the opportunity to observe them once (in 2018) and it's a shame because they are magnificent. They are of a changing color and blend in perfectly with the background except when they meet and adopt these very contrasting patterns! This may be a form of communication during the breeding season.
Film: Octopus Hunting at La Croisette 2025
Octopus hunting at La Croisette Ste Maxime in 2025. We can clearly see its two big eyes, its orange siphon that propels it, how its skin turns blue when stretched out (it has blue blood!) and its technique for hunting shellfish that are under the rocks. They catch a lot of abalone that are found near their den. We can also see the fish around that take advantage of the raised sand: they are wrasse and serrans. If you pay close attention, you can also see the variations in texture and color of the octopus's skin when it moves from one place to another (mimicry). When it moves quickly, it lies down, head in front, tentacles behind, and is propelled by its siphon. It does not swim.
