Ethan Artunian wrote, “My kids and I were lucky enough to see this rare sighting on [a week ago} Monday at Bowling Ball beach. Here are a couple of photos and a video. Good enough to make it in Jeanne's column?” You bet, and her blog! The Artunians were gifted with a sighting of a Ruby Octopus, Octopus rubescens.

These small octopuses reside along the entire west coast and can be found as deep as 980 feet. They are solitary predators and are considered the most intelligent of all invertebrates. They use their sharp sense of touch and smell to locate prey such as crabs, clams, and scallops.

Here is a video of the fascinating octopus taken by Ethan.

Ruby octopus, Octopus rubescens, video by Ethan Arutunian

Thanks to Ethan for allowing me to share his photos and video with you here.

Rain came in overnight - 1.08 inches, 13.82 season to date. Our first rain since Nov. 19th! Much more to come...