Meet the Mysterious Octopus
The octopus is one of the most fascinating marine creatures found in the waters around Cousine Island. Renowned for their intelligence and remarkable ability to camouflage, octopi are true masters of their environment.
Octopus on coral reef, showing off its camouflage and swimming skills.
smarter than most
These cephalopods are well known for their ability to change their color, texture, and even shape to blend seamlessly with their surroundings, a skill they use to hunt effectively and evade predators. This extraordinary adaptability is not just for defense; it also plays a crucial role in communication and mating rituals. Octopi possess a decentralized nervous system, with a significant portion of their neurons located in their arms, allowing each arm to operate semi-independently. This unique trait adds to their mystique, making them key species in the marine ecosystem of Cousine Island. Several species of octopus can be found around the island, including the common reef octopus, known for its vibrant colors, and the mimic octopus, famous for its ability to imitate the appearance and movements of other marine animals.
Understanding their role in the ecosystem
On Cousine Island, our conservation team places great emphasis on monitoring the octopus population and studying their behavior, diet, and habitat preferences. These studies are conducted in collaboration with marine biologists, providing valuable insights into the intricate relationships between octopi and other marine species. This research helps us understand their interactions with predators like sharks and their role in controlling populations of smaller marine organisms, such as crustaceans and fish. The presence of various octopus species indicates a healthy, diverse marine environment, crucial for the overall biodiversity of the region.
In January 2023, the Seychelles Fishing Authority initiated a study of the octopus. Funded by the Seychelles Climate Change Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT) the project “seeks to establish its species, seasonality as well as its distribution”. The fishing of octopus has never been regulated in the Seychelles.
The island nation sought the expertise of the Mauritian island of Rodrigues, where the harvesting of octopus is an important economic activity. These are dried and then exported. Octopus harvesting is regulated there and its best practices could be shared and replicated in Seychelles, allowing a better controlled octopus fishing sector in Seychelles.
See an octopus up close
Our guided snorkeling and diving tours offer visitors a chance to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat, showcasing their unique adaptations and behaviors. Guests can witness how octopi use their camouflage abilities to blend into the reef, hunt for prey, and communicate through color changes and body language, offering a window into the complex underwater world.
Our conservation efforts
The conservation of marine life, including the diverse octopus species, is a cornerstone of Cousine Island’s environmental efforts. By protecting these species, we ensure the sustainability of our marine resources and the overall health of our oceans. Our initiatives include promoting responsible diving practices, reducing pollution, and supporting marine research. These actions help preserve the natural beauty of our waters and contribute to global efforts to protect marine biodiversity. We invite our guests to join us in these conservation efforts, experiencing firsthand the rich marine biodiversity that makes Cousine Island a unique and thriving ecosystem. Together, we can ensure that these amazing creatures continue to thrive in their natural habitat, safeguarding the future of our oceans for generations to come.
Help us preserve biodiversity
You can contribute to our conservation mission simply by visiting the island, even Just for a Day. We invite guests to participate in our ongoing conservation efforts like indigenous tree planting, guided conservation walks, turtle breeding experiences, and excursions to uninhabited and protected islands around the archipelago. Even if you never leave the beach or only admire our incredible birdlife, you’re helping restore and preserve the environment through ecotourism. Check our eco calendar to plan your visit or rent the entire island for the ultimate private island experience.
