In September 2012, a small Pacific Red Octopus (Octopus rubescens) temporarily moved underneath the VENUS seafloor camera in the Saanich Inlet study area. Installed at 96 m in Patricia Bay (Saanich Inlet), the camera (one of several connected to VENUS) is a unique tool that helps researchers study marine life in its natural environment. The video reveals interactions between species and shows a 10 cm long octopus moving into the area and staying there for about a month. When the oxygen level drops to near zero (hypoxia),the octopus moves out and leaves the more hypoxia tolerant animals behind. The video also shows contracting white ball sponges (Suberites sp.), the first time this behavior has been captured in situ on the seafloor.

The video was created by Jackson Chu (PhD student, Biology, UVIC) and was created using 1164 high resolution camera.

Media Contact

Leslie Elliott, Ocean Networks Canada Communications and Marketing Manager

elliottl@uvic.ca | 250.472.5357