Octopus vs. Shark
August 8, 2005 9:26 AM Subscribe
A giant octopus takes on a shark in a video like something from a horror movie (low-res version). Octopuses are remarkable creatures, and are much more intelligent than you may think, especially given some of the movies they've inspired.
Sorry about the broken link. Here it is, fixed. Darn copy-and-paste mistake.
posted by cerebus19 at 9:29 AM on August 8, 2005
posted by cerebus19 at 9:29 AM on August 8, 2005
Creepy and very, very cool.
posted by Frisbee Girl at 9:35 AM on August 8, 2005
posted by Frisbee Girl at 9:35 AM on August 8, 2005
Very cool.. I thought the shark would at least take an arm off the octopus.. But it was a sneak attack and the shark didnt even put up a fight.. or maybe it couldn't being that it got flipped over and smothered.. cool link, thanks
posted by pez_LPhiE at 9:36 AM on August 8, 2005
posted by pez_LPhiE at 9:36 AM on August 8, 2005
Oh my god - that was amazing!
I'm never swimming again though.
posted by CunningLinguist at 9:39 AM on August 8, 2005
I'm never swimming again though.
posted by CunningLinguist at 9:39 AM on August 8, 2005
Sharks actually have a little bug where if you can flip them upside down onto their back it induces tonic immobility. They cannot move. What if the octopus figured this out? They are incredibly intelligent creatures capable of opening jars, using elaborate camouflage, and remembering.
posted by letterneversent at 9:54 AM on August 8, 2005
posted by letterneversent at 9:54 AM on August 8, 2005
That's amazing! Poor little shark.
I saw a video snippet on TV the other day that showed an octopus attacking the face mask of a diver. The guy was nearly suffocated when the octopus managed to dislodge the diver's regulator. It took all of his strength to tear loose from the thing and it wasn't a giant or anything. Scary stuff.
posted by LeeJay at 9:55 AM on August 8, 2005
I saw a video snippet on TV the other day that showed an octopus attacking the face mask of a diver. The guy was nearly suffocated when the octopus managed to dislodge the diver's regulator. It took all of his strength to tear loose from the thing and it wasn't a giant or anything. Scary stuff.
posted by LeeJay at 9:55 AM on August 8, 2005
Damn, I don't have (or want) Real Player. Is there a non RP link? Why does the octopus go after the shark?
How odd that you'd post this. I was just looking at these nifty pulp fiction covers that feature octopi. Also, it seems that a lot of women like to wear octopi or squid on their heads, and even more like to engage in sex with the cute little guys. At least, according to the photos on this site they do. Not safe for work, obviously. Now excuse me while I go fantasize about Squiddly Diddly.
posted by iconomy at 9:57 AM on August 8, 2005
How odd that you'd post this. I was just looking at these nifty pulp fiction covers that feature octopi. Also, it seems that a lot of women like to wear octopi or squid on their heads, and even more like to engage in sex with the cute little guys. At least, according to the photos on this site they do. Not safe for work, obviously. Now excuse me while I go fantasize about Squiddly Diddly.
posted by iconomy at 9:57 AM on August 8, 2005
Also remember that sharks need to keep moving through the water in order to keep breathing. If they can't pass water over their gills, they can suffocate. That might be part of why the shark went down.
posted by illuminatus at 10:09 AM on August 8, 2005
posted by illuminatus at 10:09 AM on August 8, 2005
If octopuses (octopi?) didn't have such a short life span they'd take over the planet. They're the smartest invertebrates on earth.
This is the best octopus video since someone posted those videos featuring the two newly discovered "walking" octopus species.
posted by Devils Slide at 10:13 AM on August 8, 2005
This is the best octopus video since someone posted those videos featuring the two newly discovered "walking" octopus species.
posted by Devils Slide at 10:13 AM on August 8, 2005
Why does the octopus go after the shark?
It was hungry.
posted by winston at 10:18 AM on August 8, 2005
It was hungry.
posted by winston at 10:18 AM on August 8, 2005
So it eats it, or disappears under the water with it? Crap I may have to download Real Player...
posted by iconomy at 10:20 AM on August 8, 2005
posted by iconomy at 10:20 AM on August 8, 2005
I'm not sure about that, illuminatus. I've seen sharks sleeping in groups in reefs while diving Molokini in Hawaii and Wobbegongs just sort of hanging around the bottom in Australia. Also, on TV I've seen whole big groups of sharks sleeping in private little shark hangouts. I think they're generally pretty capable of chilling out.
posted by redteam at 10:23 AM on August 8, 2005
posted by redteam at 10:23 AM on August 8, 2005
iconomy - the octopus sits on the bottom of the tank and as the shark swims by (too close to swim away fast), the octopus casually reaches out a tentacle and reels the shark in. With a suprising lack of fight on the shark's end... And all from multiple camera angles! The octopus is huge, too.
Well, it sure looked like a tank to me, as the water was really clear. Really neat shot, but probably forced.
posted by Zack_Replica at 10:31 AM on August 8, 2005
Well, it sure looked like a tank to me, as the water was really clear. Really neat shot, but probably forced.
posted by Zack_Replica at 10:31 AM on August 8, 2005
Very nifty video. Didnt know octopi ate sharks, even little ones.
A little octopus anecdote of mine: Was diving off Utila (Honduras) on a night dive and we saw a tiny scarlet octopus scooting along the sandy bottom, obviously trying to escape our lights and presence. As it slipped away, a much larger octopus (like 20x its size, the first one was barely a hand-width in size) came out of the darkness, stretched out with one of its tentacles and wrapped a tip around the equally outstretched tentacle of the smaller one, and led it away to the safety of some rocks.
Exactly like a Mother protecting its child.
It was among the most amazing things I've ever seen while diving. Octopi are simply amazing creatures.
posted by elendil71 at 10:31 AM on August 8, 2005 [41 favorites]
A little octopus anecdote of mine: Was diving off Utila (Honduras) on a night dive and we saw a tiny scarlet octopus scooting along the sandy bottom, obviously trying to escape our lights and presence. As it slipped away, a much larger octopus (like 20x its size, the first one was barely a hand-width in size) came out of the darkness, stretched out with one of its tentacles and wrapped a tip around the equally outstretched tentacle of the smaller one, and led it away to the safety of some rocks.
Exactly like a Mother protecting its child.
It was among the most amazing things I've ever seen while diving. Octopi are simply amazing creatures.
posted by elendil71 at 10:31 AM on August 8, 2005 [41 favorites]
That has been debunked, Illuminatus.
And now I have a decision to make. Damn Real Player content.
posted by dreamsign at 10:34 AM on August 8, 2005
And now I have a decision to make. Damn Real Player content.
posted by dreamsign at 10:34 AM on August 8, 2005
A fascinating piece of footage.
But, I always cringe at these slickly produced scripted "spontaneous" animal encounters with dubbed SWISH and SHAH effects and didgeridoo background.
If "someone (at the aquarium) stayed up late one night to find out why" then how did they film the death of an aquatic captive from so many sweeping, panning camera angles?
Other wild animal "documentaries" have also flirted with controversy
posted by CynicalKnight at 10:36 AM on August 8, 2005
But, I always cringe at these slickly produced scripted "spontaneous" animal encounters with dubbed SWISH and SHAH effects and didgeridoo background.
If "someone (at the aquarium) stayed up late one night to find out why" then how did they film the death of an aquatic captive from so many sweeping, panning camera angles?
Other wild animal "documentaries" have also flirted with controversy
posted by CynicalKnight at 10:36 AM on August 8, 2005
I love octopi, ever since visiting a rare pet shop, and, amongst the various pretty fishes, a tiny octopus. It *liked* me, and swam up to the top of the tank and let me pet it. So cool. So strange.
posted by WolfDaddy at 10:45 AM on August 8, 2005 [1 favorite]
posted by WolfDaddy at 10:45 AM on August 8, 2005 [1 favorite]
Cephalopods are great,
but not for a mate.
Think of the kid
from sex with a squid.
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 10:45 AM on August 8, 2005 [1 favorite]
but not for a mate.
Think of the kid
from sex with a squid.
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 10:45 AM on August 8, 2005 [1 favorite]
for the people that don't wanna install real player,
http://www.free-codecs.com/download/Real_Alternative.htm
no more bloat-ware and nasty real player quick startup proggie.. I hate those..
posted by pez_LPhiE at 10:51 AM on August 8, 2005
http://www.free-codecs.com/download/Real_Alternative.htm
no more bloat-ware and nasty real player quick startup proggie.. I hate those..
posted by pez_LPhiE at 10:51 AM on August 8, 2005
My favorite gastropod. I'd like one as a pet. Heck, I'd like to be an octopus for a while.
posted by Citizen Premier at 10:52 AM on August 8, 2005
posted by Citizen Premier at 10:52 AM on August 8, 2005
I don't know if the octopuses ate the shark. The video said that the shark carcasses were on the bottom of the aquarium the next morning. I can't imagine how an octopuses would go about eating a shark anyway.
posted by ryanissuper at 10:53 AM on August 8, 2005
posted by ryanissuper at 10:53 AM on August 8, 2005
My favorite gastropod. I'd like one as a pet. Heck, I'd like to be an octopus for a while.
posted by Citizen Premier at 10:53 AM on August 8, 2005
posted by Citizen Premier at 10:53 AM on August 8, 2005
More octopi goodness (a huge derail)
Previously posted but always a fun revisit.
*Hums Octopus's Garden and goes back to work*
posted by elendil71 at 10:55 AM on August 8, 2005
Previously posted but always a fun revisit.
*Hums Octopus's Garden and goes back to work*
posted by elendil71 at 10:55 AM on August 8, 2005
I'm not sure about that, illuminatus. I've seen sharks sleeping in groups in reefs while diving Molokini in Hawaii and Wobbegongs just sort of hanging around the bottom in Australia. Also, on TV I've seen whole big groups of sharks sleeping in private little shark hangouts. I think they're generally pretty capable of chilling out.
Anecdotal evidence aside, here is the scoop:
Whatever their size, like any animal, all sharks must breathe. It is sometimes said that sharks must keep moving in order to breathe or sink to the bottom and drown, but this is only partly true. Some sharks, such as the whitetip reef shark and nurse shark and especially, bottom-dwelling species such as carpetsharks, wobbegongs and angelsharks, are able to rest on the sea floor and pump water over their gills, where they extract the oxygen it contains. Whitetip reef sharks open their mouths, expand the walls of the pharynx, and cause the water to rush in. By closing the mouth and raising the floor, the water is propelled over the gills and out through the gill slits. Other species, such as the oceanic whitetip shark and grey reef shark, really do have to keep moving or they are in trouble. They adopt a system known as 'obligate ram ventilation' in which oxygen-rich seawater passes freely through the open mouth and pharynx, over the gills and out through the gill slits as they swim forwards. Most modern sharks possess five pairs of gill slits, but more primitive species, such as the appropriately-named sixgill and sevengill sharks, have more.
From here.
posted by agregoli at 10:58 AM on August 8, 2005
Anecdotal evidence aside, here is the scoop:
Whatever their size, like any animal, all sharks must breathe. It is sometimes said that sharks must keep moving in order to breathe or sink to the bottom and drown, but this is only partly true. Some sharks, such as the whitetip reef shark and nurse shark and especially, bottom-dwelling species such as carpetsharks, wobbegongs and angelsharks, are able to rest on the sea floor and pump water over their gills, where they extract the oxygen it contains. Whitetip reef sharks open their mouths, expand the walls of the pharynx, and cause the water to rush in. By closing the mouth and raising the floor, the water is propelled over the gills and out through the gill slits. Other species, such as the oceanic whitetip shark and grey reef shark, really do have to keep moving or they are in trouble. They adopt a system known as 'obligate ram ventilation' in which oxygen-rich seawater passes freely through the open mouth and pharynx, over the gills and out through the gill slits as they swim forwards. Most modern sharks possess five pairs of gill slits, but more primitive species, such as the appropriately-named sixgill and sevengill sharks, have more.
From here.
posted by agregoli at 10:58 AM on August 8, 2005
Dang, this would have to get posted after I left for work so I have to wait all day to see the action. Now I've got something to look forward to aside from fixing the kitchen drain.
posted by fenriq at 10:59 AM on August 8, 2005
posted by fenriq at 10:59 AM on August 8, 2005
Oh, and I feel compelled to post this as a caveat... sure they're cute an' cuddly an' smart an' things, but remember their roots!
On preview: elendil71 knows the score!
posted by Zack_Replica at 11:00 AM on August 8, 2005
On preview: elendil71 knows the score!
posted by Zack_Replica at 11:00 AM on August 8, 2005
Media player classic plays real format in a windows environment.
Also: Bad Day on the High Sea
posted by puke & cry at 11:11 AM on August 8, 2005 [1 favorite]
Also: Bad Day on the High Sea
posted by puke & cry at 11:11 AM on August 8, 2005 [1 favorite]
fenriq, if lack of an appropriate player is the issue, Real Alternative, linked above, can be installed even on a locked down desktop and will allow you to see the video now.
posted by caddis at 11:17 AM on August 8, 2005
posted by caddis at 11:17 AM on August 8, 2005
Being held underwater by an octopus and drowning seems like it might be worse than being eaten by a shark in the water, especially if you were a diver and had a lot of oxygen. That would be a lot of time to panic.
What might be scariest is a shark starting to eat you, then while it was eating you an octopus starts to crush the shark. Then a killer whale bites into the octopus! Then a Japanese whaler spears the killer whale! Then a Japanese business man pays top dollar to eat little bits of you raw on warm lumps of sticky rice.
posted by DigDugDag at 11:19 AM on August 8, 2005
What might be scariest is a shark starting to eat you, then while it was eating you an octopus starts to crush the shark. Then a killer whale bites into the octopus! Then a Japanese whaler spears the killer whale! Then a Japanese business man pays top dollar to eat little bits of you raw on warm lumps of sticky rice.
posted by DigDugDag at 11:19 AM on August 8, 2005
I fear for this guy's safety.
Mmmm, braaaiiinns..
Being held underwater by an octopus and drowning seems like it might be worse than being eaten by a shark in the water, especially if you were a diver and had a lot of oxygen. That would be a lot of time to panic.
Thats what a dive knife is for. Wouldnt help much with a shark, but with an octopus.... Mmmm, sushi..
And for a final pointless anal-retentive comment, that would be air, not oxygen. You'd die if you were breathing straight oxygen at depth.
posted by elendil71 at 11:34 AM on August 8, 2005
Mmmm, braaaiiinns..
Being held underwater by an octopus and drowning seems like it might be worse than being eaten by a shark in the water, especially if you were a diver and had a lot of oxygen. That would be a lot of time to panic.
Thats what a dive knife is for. Wouldnt help much with a shark, but with an octopus.... Mmmm, sushi..
And for a final pointless anal-retentive comment, that would be air, not oxygen. You'd die if you were breathing straight oxygen at depth.
posted by elendil71 at 11:34 AM on August 8, 2005
caddis, thanks for the alternative but its more a question of bandwidth usage. My office is sharing a slow connection as it is, hogging it for this might raise an eyebrow or two.
posted by fenriq at 11:48 AM on August 8, 2005
posted by fenriq at 11:48 AM on August 8, 2005
Something I didn't know learned from the Wikipedia link:
A note on the plural form: Fowler's Modern English Usage states that "the only acceptable plural in English is octopuses", and that octopi is misconceived and octopodes pedantic. Octopi derives from the mistaken notion that octopus is Latin. It is not. It is (Latinized) Greek,.....
posted by Carbolic at 11:49 AM on August 8, 2005
A note on the plural form: Fowler's Modern English Usage states that "the only acceptable plural in English is octopuses", and that octopi is misconceived and octopodes pedantic. Octopi derives from the mistaken notion that octopus is Latin. It is not. It is (Latinized) Greek,.....
posted by Carbolic at 11:49 AM on August 8, 2005
From the wikipedia link:
A note on the plural form: Fowler's Modern English Usage states that "the only acceptable plural in English is octopuses", and that octopi is misconceived and octopodes pedantic. Octopi derives from the mistaken notion that octopus is Latin. It is not. It is (Latinized) Greek, from oktopous (ὀκτώπους), gender masculine, whose plural is oktopodes (ὀκτώποδες). If the word were Latin, it would be octopes ('eight-foot') and the plural octopedes, analogous to centipedes and millipedes, as the plural form of pes ('foot') is pedes.
posted by Pendragon at 11:49 AM on August 8, 2005
A note on the plural form: Fowler's Modern English Usage states that "the only acceptable plural in English is octopuses", and that octopi is misconceived and octopodes pedantic. Octopi derives from the mistaken notion that octopus is Latin. It is not. It is (Latinized) Greek, from oktopous (ὀκτώπους), gender masculine, whose plural is oktopodes (ὀκτώποδες). If the word were Latin, it would be octopes ('eight-foot') and the plural octopedes, analogous to centipedes and millipedes, as the plural form of pes ('foot') is pedes.
posted by Pendragon at 11:49 AM on August 8, 2005
All you people saying octopi obviously didn't read to the end of the second link. The correct plural is octopuses as the word is Greek & not Latin in origin. By one of those strange coincidences, I heard that for the first time on TV a couple of weeks ago.
posted by PurpleJack at 11:52 AM on August 8, 2005
posted by PurpleJack at 11:52 AM on August 8, 2005
Bollocks.
posted by PurpleJack at 11:53 AM on August 8, 2005
posted by PurpleJack at 11:53 AM on August 8, 2005
Also remember that sharks need to keep moving through the water in order to keep breathing.
Another question about this...wouldn't the current flowing past simply provide enough movement through their gills to oxygenate them?
posted by spicynuts at 12:04 PM on August 8, 2005
Another question about this...wouldn't the current flowing past simply provide enough movement through their gills to oxygenate them?
posted by spicynuts at 12:04 PM on August 8, 2005
You are all wrong, because YOU ARE EDUCATED CUBELESS STUPID.
One octopus.
Two octomopuses.
Many octomopuseses.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 12:14 PM on August 8, 2005 [1 favorite]
One octopus.
Two octomopuses.
Many octomopuseses.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 12:14 PM on August 8, 2005 [1 favorite]
So one night, someone stayed up to see who the culprit was...
Other mysteries at the aquarium solved:
* Who peed on the toilet seat.
* Who drank the last of the coffee and put the last eigth of an inch back on to scorch.
* Who'd been smoking out the employee entrance without locking the door.
posted by Ogre Lawless at 12:16 PM on August 8, 2005
Other mysteries at the aquarium solved:
* Who peed on the toilet seat.
* Who drank the last of the coffee and put the last eigth of an inch back on to scorch.
* Who'd been smoking out the employee entrance without locking the door.
posted by Ogre Lawless at 12:16 PM on August 8, 2005
Other mysteries at the aquarium solved:
* Who's been servicing the dolphins
posted by spicynuts at 12:20 PM on August 8, 2005
* Who's been servicing the dolphins
posted by spicynuts at 12:20 PM on August 8, 2005
This was incredible! Though I wonder exactly what the circumstances were behind filming the event. Did they find out the ock was killing the sharks first, then wait with cameras and another shark as bait? Or did they suspect it was the octopus, and then wait with cameras, to confirm their suspicion for posterity and science?
I kind of want to believe the shoot was part of a follow-up to someone's suspicion. It doesn't seem out of the question that someone noticed that the sharks started disappearing after the ock was introduced, then simply put two and two together. I also don't like believing that people who run aquariums would use sharks as bait, but nor am I naive.
Either way, great footage. I especially liked seeing the octopus change color right before the attack.
posted by hifiparasol at 12:43 PM on August 8, 2005
I kind of want to believe the shoot was part of a follow-up to someone's suspicion. It doesn't seem out of the question that someone noticed that the sharks started disappearing after the ock was introduced, then simply put two and two together. I also don't like believing that people who run aquariums would use sharks as bait, but nor am I naive.
Either way, great footage. I especially liked seeing the octopus change color right before the attack.
posted by hifiparasol at 12:43 PM on August 8, 2005
The Sex with Dolphins article is too much
* Who's been servicing the dolphins
posted by mert at 1:57 PM on August 8, 2005
* Who's been servicing the dolphins
posted by mert at 1:57 PM on August 8, 2005
What an amazing video that is -- vertebrates ruling the roost, my ass. I hate that I had to use RealPlayer to watch it, but I have to say it was worth it.
(And hifiparasol, you clearly watched, but did you listen to the video? They explain the circumstances that led to them catching the whole thing on video, pretty clearly.)
posted by delfuego at 2:31 PM on August 8, 2005
(And hifiparasol, you clearly watched, but did you listen to the video? They explain the circumstances that led to them catching the whole thing on video, pretty clearly.)
posted by delfuego at 2:31 PM on August 8, 2005
My favorite gastropod.
Cephalopod. I don't think a slug or a snail could take on a shark.
posted by squidlarkin at 3:05 PM on August 8, 2005
Cephalopod. I don't think a slug or a snail could take on a shark.
posted by squidlarkin at 3:05 PM on August 8, 2005
I can't play this on IE, even with (I think) Real plug-in, and it just crashes Firefox. What is wrong with me?
posted by gottabefunky at 3:21 PM on August 8, 2005
posted by gottabefunky at 3:21 PM on August 8, 2005
may I recommend downloading the k-lite mega codec pack (google search for 'klite mega codec' minus quotes should do it). It uninstalls quicktime and realplayer before installing Media Player Classic in their place. I have yet to come across any video format it will not play, and it has lots of neat features like time-shifting the audio, and panning and zooming and stuff. (please, if there's a better option/solution, I'd love to hear it)
posted by imaswinger at 3:47 PM on August 8, 2005
posted by imaswinger at 3:47 PM on August 8, 2005
imaswinger - does not play maktrosa video formats(MKA), but unless you love the japanime that is probably ok. Also i think ogd is a maktrossa spin off but it has beef with that also, or at least did in previous versions.
posted by sourbrew at 4:20 PM on August 8, 2005
posted by sourbrew at 4:20 PM on August 8, 2005
never knew that sharks and octopusses made music while fighting.
posted by Substrata at 4:43 PM on August 8, 2005
posted by Substrata at 4:43 PM on August 8, 2005
This was really good.
But - "...octopi is misconceived and octopodes pedantic."
First off, since when does "pedantic" equal "incorrect"? Secondly, isn't it pedantic to correct people who say "octopi"? It's become a common enough feature in English to use latinate plurals for some words that you could easily argue that it is a correct form regardless of where we borrowed it from.*
*Although this argument could lead to a pluralization of "omnibus" as "omnibi," a word with staggering implications.
posted by solotoro at 5:48 PM on August 8, 2005
But - "...octopi is misconceived and octopodes pedantic."
First off, since when does "pedantic" equal "incorrect"? Secondly, isn't it pedantic to correct people who say "octopi"? It's become a common enough feature in English to use latinate plurals for some words that you could easily argue that it is a correct form regardless of where we borrowed it from.*
*Although this argument could lead to a pluralization of "omnibus" as "omnibi," a word with staggering implications.
posted by solotoro at 5:48 PM on August 8, 2005
Anal-retentuses.
posted by Devils Slide at 7:53 PM on August 8, 2005
posted by Devils Slide at 7:53 PM on August 8, 2005
More Octopus Clips from the Nature program. 'A Tight Squeeze' has me feeling all kinds of uncomfortable.
posted by arialblack at 8:34 PM on August 8, 2005
posted by arialblack at 8:34 PM on August 8, 2005
I was at the Newport, Oregon aquariaum last week. A little girl with a voluminous cornrow hairstyle walked up to the octopus tank window, and the octopus became highly excited. He turned bright red and dropped down so that his eyes were right at her eye level. When she would reach out an arm, he would mirror it.
When she walked away, he went back into his hole and turned grey. It was quite a show.
posted by mwhybark at 9:32 PM on August 8, 2005 [2 favorites]
When she walked away, he went back into his hole and turned grey. It was quite a show.
posted by mwhybark at 9:32 PM on August 8, 2005 [2 favorites]
I like saying octopi. So screw you guys.
And now I want to see the slug v. shark video.
posted by craven_morhead at 10:08 PM on August 8, 2005
And now I want to see the slug v. shark video.
posted by craven_morhead at 10:08 PM on August 8, 2005
Heh, I like the audio track that goes with.
Friend had a similar incident with a rubberworm. Fish kept disappearing, and sometimes he'd find bones. Fish would also get all frantic when he started turning off lights for the night. So one day he slipped in a red light bulb and sat in to watch what happened. Little critter peeked out, as meekly as usual, then swam out and starting whipping around in a fast coil, going ape-shit while the fish freaked. Then he'd wrap around a fish and drag it down...
Kind of the Stephen King playground of aquariums.
Oh, thanks for the Real-alternative player! It's great!
posted by dreamsign at 11:54 PM on August 8, 2005
Friend had a similar incident with a rubberworm. Fish kept disappearing, and sometimes he'd find bones. Fish would also get all frantic when he started turning off lights for the night. So one day he slipped in a red light bulb and sat in to watch what happened. Little critter peeked out, as meekly as usual, then swam out and starting whipping around in a fast coil, going ape-shit while the fish freaked. Then he'd wrap around a fish and drag it down...
Kind of the Stephen King playground of aquariums.
Oh, thanks for the Real-alternative player! It's great!
posted by dreamsign at 11:54 PM on August 8, 2005
What the heck is a rubberworm? I thought that was a fishing lure.
posted by JParker at 12:48 AM on August 9, 2005
posted by JParker at 12:48 AM on August 9, 2005
Anal-retentuses.
Anal-retentacles
Secondly, isn't it pedantic to correct people who say "octopi"?
Perhaps, but if one pedantic correction stops the corrected person from using one pedanticism one hundred times, it is for the good. Pedantically speaking.
[But what's really dumb is the (now fading?) use of "penii" an the plural of penis.]
posted by pracowity at 1:15 AM on August 9, 2005
Anal-retentacles
Secondly, isn't it pedantic to correct people who say "octopi"?
Perhaps, but if one pedantic correction stops the corrected person from using one pedanticism one hundred times, it is for the good. Pedantically speaking.
[But what's really dumb is the (now fading?) use of "penii" an the plural of penis.]
posted by pracowity at 1:15 AM on August 9, 2005
The narrator gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "whole new meaning." "Top predator" retains the same meaning before and after seeing this. It is awesome, though.
posted by Nothing at 3:27 AM on August 9, 2005
posted by Nothing at 3:27 AM on August 9, 2005
I gathered they were tracking the shark and not the octopus. I think they cut the shots of the octopus 'on the prowl' later in the editing process. You can see the camera kind of jump when the octopus attacks, I don't think they were expecting it.
I worked on a crab boat in Alaska and during one of the off seasons the company had us try fishing for octopus. After about a week and a half we told the company we wouldn't do it anymore. It was obvious to all of us that octopus are highly intelligent creatures and after seeing them do one amazing feat after another we all agreed to ask the company to let us fish for something else. They said no at first but we demanded and got our way.
That is saying alot, as most of us were salty bastards who wouldn't have batted an eye at clubbing baby seals. Truly impressive creatures.
posted by mortisimo at 8:14 AM on August 9, 2005 [1 favorite]
I worked on a crab boat in Alaska and during one of the off seasons the company had us try fishing for octopus. After about a week and a half we told the company we wouldn't do it anymore. It was obvious to all of us that octopus are highly intelligent creatures and after seeing them do one amazing feat after another we all agreed to ask the company to let us fish for something else. They said no at first but we demanded and got our way.
That is saying alot, as most of us were salty bastards who wouldn't have batted an eye at clubbing baby seals. Truly impressive creatures.
posted by mortisimo at 8:14 AM on August 9, 2005 [1 favorite]
First off, since when does "pedantic" equal "incorrect"?
Manuals of English usage tend to apply subtle pressure when a usage issue comes down to "you can, but shouldn't".
posted by mendel at 8:46 AM on August 9, 2005
Manuals of English usage tend to apply subtle pressure when a usage issue comes down to "you can, but shouldn't".
posted by mendel at 8:46 AM on August 9, 2005
What if deep down in the ocean there is a secret Octopus civilization!!!
posted by j-urb at 9:32 AM on August 9, 2005
posted by j-urb at 9:32 AM on August 9, 2005
Has no one mentioned the cover of the They Might Be Giants album Apollo 18?
posted by BackwardsCity at 9:42 AM on August 9, 2005
posted by BackwardsCity at 9:42 AM on August 9, 2005
That's a squid, dude.
posted by electroboy at 10:29 AM on August 9, 2005
posted by electroboy at 10:29 AM on August 9, 2005
It's also a whale.
But the point holds, it's eerily similar.
posted by BackwardsCity at 1:05 PM on August 9, 2005
But the point holds, it's eerily similar.
posted by BackwardsCity at 1:05 PM on August 9, 2005
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posted by jonson at 9:28 AM on August 8, 2005