A small octopus found in a pile of plastic marine litter off Hawaii

Scientists in Hawaii discover a tiny baby octopus on plastic marine debris while monitoring the coral reefs. It is so small that it is only the size of a pea.

Tiny octopus on plastic debris

Last August, scientists from the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park in Hawaii released several photos of a baby octopus that they discovered while moving away from monitoring coral reefs. Obviously, they also picked up plastic debris along the way and noticed the tiny creature among the pile.

Scientists note in their message that they released the baby octopus on their next dive, leaving it in a "small protected area". Shortly after, the team discovered another baby octopus in another pile of plastic debris, but this time fierce side that the baby octopus was found attacking and killing a baby crab.

Naturally, the pictures have attracted a lot of attention, even the US Department of the Interior tweeted about it. In addition to the adorable nature of the sightings, the discovery also highlights how marine creatures are affected by plastic debris and waste that pollutes the waters of the planet.

Octopus or octopus?

According to the marine ecologist of the park, Sallie Beaver, it is possible that the octopus baby is a day octopus or an octopus at night. Both species are found in Hawaii waters and both grow smaller than other octopus species, reaching a maximum arm span of 2 or 3 feet and a maximum weight of 10 lbs.

The "day" and "night" species are in fact the two most common species of octopus in Hawaii. As its name indicates, the day octopus is active by day and spends the night in its lair. He was and is still being eaten. On the other hand, the night octopus is nocturnal, which means that it is active at night and stays safe during the day. This species, however, is rarely eaten, but is still hunted by some to be used for traditional medicine.

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