Common Octopus

Photo: Susanne Spindler · CC BY-NC-ND

The rubble-strewn corridors of Baiae's drowned buildings create ideal denning habitat for common octopus, which wedge themselves into gaps between marble blocks and watch passing divers with curiosity rather than alarm. Piles of crab and bivalve shells outside den entrances reveal long-occupied territories that persist across generations of animals. Early morning dives in autumn catch individuals actively hunting across open mosaic pavements before retreating at first light.