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Scubadiverand photographer Jules Casey is no stranger to witnessing mesmerizing sights.
(Seahorses and sea dragons are the only species in which the male gets pregnant and gives birth.)
I dont know if I found him or if he found me.
Several weeks ago, I stumbled upon a few metal pickets in a line spaced 5 meters apart.
Over the next few weeks, more metal pickets were added; then pipes.
The trail looped around not far from the starting point.
Then, one day, an octopus led me to a plaque, the final piece of this puzzle.
Octopuses like to hide in them, the professional photographer said.
The artificial reef in Mornington Peninsula was named Lorenz Loop in honor of the man who inspired the tribute.
But little did Jules know that shed end up crossing paths with the person who created the shrine.
I couldnt believe it.
Theyre very curious, and I find more often it happens around their mating season.
Theyll reach out and touch you.
They do spend quite a bit of time exploring your camera.
Its so cool when one of them wants to come and explore you.
Their tentacles can reach three meters in length.
On social media, Jules shared that she has reencountered the curiousoctopusfollowing the discovery of the shrine.
Im guessing that hes been mating and is getting close to the end of his life.
Female Maori octopuses make significant sacrifices for their offspring.
During the two months the eggs take to hatch, their mother doesnt eat to ensure theyre always supervised.
Also, by not feeding, they produce less waste, contributing to higher water quality for the eggs.
People reacted to the surprising interaction between Jules and the octopus
