THE OCTOPUS: MARINE BAGPIPES FILLED WITH INK
Few people know that, by international law, it is unlawful to fail to be fascinated by Octopuses… Octopi… Octopodes… Octopotomi… Whatever. For a learned dissertation on the correct plural form for these creatures – bear with me, there are strict rules that apply here – you’ll find out the right way at THE PLURAL OF OCTOPUS . I won’t go into it all now, because it’s time to showcase some more wonderful underwater photography by Melinda Riger of Grand Bahama Scuba. Strictly, these are not Abacos Octos, but they share the same reef system and are therefore close cousins. Of such tenuous links are blog posts formed.
My favourite octopus photo
Settling down to a take-away
The all-seeing eye…
On the move… so long suckers!
Octopus Ink
All photos: Melinda Riger
The Rare Scottish Tartan Octopus
SAD POST SCRIPT: As a Scot out of Norway (did you ever?) my father learnt to play the bagpipes. Indeed had a set. They lived in a cellar I wasn’t allowed into. The bag was allegedly preserved in treacle (don’t ask). I still have the ‘Chanter’ (a single pipe practice instrument), the sound of which is akin to trying to strangle one cat with another cat. I was fobbed off with that. Then one day as a treat the cellar was unlocked and a large wooden box was dragged out. The bagpipes! The lid was opened and… OMG! the bag had rotted away completely, the pipes looked pathetic and very disappointing, and the whole thing stank of nameless dead creatures… I can’t hear the sound of the pipes to this day without finding it (a) stirring yet (b) enough after a short time and (c ) a reminder of a broken dream… The end.
ROLLING HARBOUR ABACO 
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Outstanding photos, I’m impressed. The fists shot is my favourite too. What a cheeky little inkie! 🙂 Great post!
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I’m so lucky to be able to use photos by someone who is (a) an expert diver and (b) a ditto photographer with a first-class camera! RH
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Indeed, we all participate from sharing our skills and admiration. 👍😊
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The photos are very lovely and I like the all seeing eye, rather human in a way. Sad story about the bagpipes tho’.
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Thanks EST. I fear I may have spoiled the pics with my largely irrelevant story. But, aged 8, I knew I was scarred for life by the disappointment of such long-hidden decomposed treasure. Or at least until the start of the cricket season, whichever came first… RH
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These photos of the octopi are absolutely incredible! The eye, the ink, really amazing. I once saw a small octopus under Hawaiian waters and although it was still there, I couldn’t see it a minute later–did that disappearing act thing they do. I cannot imagine the skill and patience required for these amazing photos, but I sure appreciate Melinda’s talents. Thank you RH.
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Thanks Jet. To have seen one, even small, is a treat – and to see how they ooze their way into a cranny. Or vanish. I’m very lucky Melinda lets me use her fabulous photos. I couldn’t get them myself – no camera, can’t swim properly. It’s good to have a wide variety of wildlife in the blog, and especially to feature the reef life. The Abaco reef is in fact the 3rd largest barrier reef in the world!
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