How do you lure an octopus out of a crevice?

[diver_doug]

Octopi are, to me, the coolest thing in Socal waters...but I rarely get to see one. Last time I was at Crescent Bay I saw a fairly large one in a crevice. I thought about reaching in there to pull it out, but I didn't want to injure it or get my finger bit off by it's octo-beak so I just let it be. So is there a trick, or some form of food you can bring along on a dive, to lure them out?

 

[Rhone Man]

Crab meat works well.

Not a grammar pedant, but just pointing out that it is technically "octopuses". Don't know why.

 

[CaptRam]

Any fish will do they will quickly extend a hand out to grab the fish if hungry

 

[Spg01]

Sometimes you can gently tap a shell outside of their hideout on the sand or a rock and they will get closer to check it out. "sometimes"

 

[ScubaVideo]

Octopi are, to me, the coolest thing in Socal waters...but I rarely get to see one. Last time I was at Crescent Bay I saw a fairly large one in a crevice. I thought about reaching in there to pull it out, but I didn't want to injure it or get my finger bit off by it's octo-beak so I just let it be. So is there a trick, or some form of food you can bring along on a dive, to lure them out?

Crab meat works well.

Not a grammar pedant, but just pointing out that it is technically "octopuses". Don't know why.

Actually, according to this from Merriam-Webster it can be either one. And even a third way:

YouTube - Merriam-Webster Ask the Editor - Octopus

 

[fnfalman]

Dive at night? Haha.

 

[Damselfish]

Wave something shiny and valuable in front of them. Enjoy the tug of war.

 

[gcbryan]

How about leave them alone

 

[diver_doug]

How about leave them alone

Sorry, they're too cool...can't do it. Plus bothering a sleeping octopus seems like bothering a sleeping cat...I mean come on, do they really have anything to do ?

 

[drbill]

Not bothering them is a good idea.

I do find that with an octopus that is awake, I can sometimes just put my finger near it and wiggle it a little and they will extend an arm to see what it is.

As for the plural, octopuses is the preferred term based on input I've received from cephalopod specialists.