Octopus spotted clinging to Risso's dolphin in Devon

An octopus was observed clinging to a Risso's dolphin in the waters off Berry Head, Devon, England. The sighting was captured by Bill Coulson, a volunteer for the Risso's Dolphin Project South West.

The Marine Biological Association noted that the images provide evidence of how an ongoing bloom in octopus numbers may be impacting marine wildlife along the Devon and Cornwall coasts. Scientists are currently investigating unusually high numbers of octopus being recorded near the Southwest coastline.

The event connects two areas of marine research: the Marine Biological Association's study of increasing common octopus abundance and University of Exeter research into Risso's dolphins. While Risso's dolphins typically feed on cephalopods like squid, the recent octopus surge may be providing new feeding opportunities as marine ecosystems change due to warming seas.