Local marine biologist Alan Deidun has once again treated nature lovers to an underwater gem, this time sharing a stunning photo of the white-spotted octopus (Callistoctopus macropus), locally known as frajjel or qarnitu. The shot, taken by Lewis Mark Sell, captures one of the Mediterranean’s most elusive night-time creatures.

This octopus is a true nocturnal hunter, and its technique is pretty fascinating: it wraps its long arms around corals to flush out fish and other prey hiding inside. With its intense red colour, bright white spots, and arms that can reach up to 1.5 metres, it’s one of the easiest octopus species to identify, if you’re lucky enough to ever see one.

Found in shallow waters across the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Indo-Pacific, and both sides of the Atlantic, the species is actually widespread. Still, spotting one during the day is unlikely. The white-spotted octopus hides until night falls, only emerging to hunt.

Its life cycle is short but dramatic: males die shortly after mating, while females spend their final weeks guarding around 1,000 eggs, refusing to feed until they hatch, after which the female also dies. Because of this natural cycle, the species only lives around 1–2 years, but is thankfully listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

And unlike the common octopus, this species isn’t exactly a Maltese favourite in the kitchen, as many say its meat just isn’t that appealing.

Still, in its natural habitat, it’s a beautiful and mysterious sight… and a reminder of the incredible marine life surrounding our islands.

Have you ever seen one?