S.Bandensis Cuttlefish - Just released the kids into main tank

[DWhatley]

I'll vote for that! Can't wait for the macro shots!

 

[MAKOOKAM]

Finally caught one of my females laying eggs...video

 

[MAKOOKAM]

More...

 

[MAKOOKAM]

More...

 

[MAKOOKAM]

Watching me after laying...

 

[DWhatley]

I noticed the wide pupils again in the second video. I noticed the same thing when Maya (O. hummelincki) layed her eggs and Nancy mentioned seeing it with Ollie (bimac octo). What it means, I have not clue, but it is interesting that both species show this effect.

 

[MAKOOKAM]

Yes, they were dilated like crazy. They usually only dilate like that when hunting or when frightened/excited...or at night.

 

[MAKOOKAM]

More video - 4 mating attempts in quick succession

 

[DWhatley]

Now you have me watching the eyes in all the videos . It appears that they close them during mating but going back and reviewing will be interesting to see if this is always the case.

 

[MAKOOKAM]

I'll keep posting if you keep watching!

I've also noticed they squint their eyes during a strike to protect them -

 

[DWhatley]

I love that photo I don't remember another that shows the suckers as clearly.

 

[Darth Kraken]

Oh wow......I love your Xenia video!! And octopuses are great fun too........Not something you'd want to set loose on that awesome reef of yours though, they can be a little.....um.......creative, with other things in the tank, and not only in ways you'd like them to be. Believe me, I believe they have their own ideas about interior decorating and no regard for what you decide looks good in your tank.......but it's that personality that makes them so great.

 

[MAKOOKAM]

Heres some more action shots for you D. I was trying to catch some decent arm shots and ended up getting some really cool tentacle grab shots.

 

[DWhatley]

I was voting for #3 until I saw #6 and the suckers on the tentacles as well as the way the tip is wrapped around the shrimp. You are really developing (pun intended) a nice secondary hobby. Did you set the camera up for a timelapse? If so, how many seconds apart. I have played only a little with the feature on mine (and I don't have your lens) but the clarity is excellent, especially knowing how fast this is all taking place.

 

[MAKOOKAM]

Thanks! No, I just waited until i thought they were going to strike and took the shot. I wish I didnt have to use a flash so I could just fire off a quick series. Unfortunately the flash slows down the recovery time on the camera significantly.