Photographer captures octopus riding rarely seen dolphin, provides valuable evidence for ongoing research
Citizen scientist photographs incredible encounter with a Risso’s dolphin and an octopus just off the coast of Devon
Photographer Bill Coulson captured an extraordinary moment off the coast of Devon, where a Risso’s dolphin was observed riding an octopus, a rare sight that has provided valuable research material for ongoing studies. Risso’s dolphins, identifiable by their bulbous foreheads, lack of beaks, and scarred skin, are known to prey on octopus.
However, what makes this encounter noteworthy is the octopus' apparent struggle to maintain its position on the dolphin's dorsal fin. These images, shared by the Marine Biological Association, are being utilized to study the impact of an ongoing octopus bloom on marine life in the regions of Devon and Cornwall. Bill Coulson, a member of the University of Exeter’s Risso’s Dolphin Project South West, explains that these photographs offer a unique insight into the feeding habits of Risso’s dolphins and the altering marine environment around our coasts.
Furthermore, the involvement of amateur photographers, like Bill, through citizen science has proven to be invaluable in building a more comprehensive understanding of marine wildlife throughout the Southwest.
Written by urgent.news from Digital Camera World's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
