Octopolis is the name given by scientists to a unique underwater gathering site of gloomy octopuses off the coast of Jervis Bay, Australia. It was first discovered in 2009. It’s a small patch of seabed where dozens of octopuses build dens out of shells and interact socially. This is highly unusual as octopuses are normally solitary animals.

Octlantis was discovered in 2016 in the same region, indicating this phenomenon is not unique to a single spot.

These “octopus cities” are subjects of marine biology research.

• Social Behavior: While usually considered antisocial, the inhabitants of Octopolis live in close proximity (10-15 animals). They exhibit social behaviors like mating, defending territory, and even “warfare” where they use their siphons to throw shells and sediment at each other.
• Environmental Engineers: The octopuses are “environmental engineers” that build, modify, and manage their, homes, including creating, piles of discarded, shells, to create more habitat.
• Significance: The existence of these sites suggests that when environmental, conditions (like, available, shelter) are right, even, typically solitary creatures, can form complex societies.

Recent studies indicate that these sites might, not, be, permanent, and, that, population, densities, can, fluctuate, due, to, seasons, and, availability of resources.

We still have not discovered an Octopolis or Octlantis in Maldives but we do find octopus during our dive and snorkel trips. The best season is during the ‘dry season’ or Northeast Monsoon from November to April.

Why this season works better:

• 🌊 Clearer water & calmer seas make it easier to spot camouflaged octopuses
• 🪸 Better visibility for diving and snorkeling
• 🐟 Reef activity is high, which means more hunting behavior from octopuses

Time of day matters too

• Early morning and late afternoon / dusk are prime times
  Octopuses are often more active then, especially when they come out to hunt.

May to October (Southwest Monsoon):

• Octopuses are still around (they live there year-round)
• Rougher seas + lower visibility = harder to spot
• Some channels and reefs can still be excellent if conditions are right

Where you’re most likely to see them

• Shallow coral reefs
• Rubble areas near reefs
• House reefs at resorts (surprisingly good!)
• Night dives, which are almost underrated for octopus sightings

Join us on the look out for Octopolis and Octlantis in Maldives.