scubaseason

Common Octopus

Octopus vulgaris

Sighting evidence at The Gully, St. Abbs Head

Common Octopus

Photo: Susanne Spindler · CC BY-NC-ND

Common octopus are present in The Gully from summer through early autumn, making their characteristic dens under overhanging ledges identifiable by the pile of crab and mussel shell middens at the entrance. They are highly intelligent and individuals become curious about regular divers, sometimes emerging to investigate camera equipment. Their population at St. Abbs represents the northernmost limit of consistent British distribution for this species.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Common Octopus is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Also seen at other sites