(Tenby, Wales, January 21, 2026) – A common octopus was observed camouflaging itself in the sand at north Beach in Tenby, Wales, according to a local photographer.
A common octopus was spotted changing color adn burying itself in the sand at North Beach in Tenby, Wales, in an impressive display of camouflage.
- A common octopus was seen at North Beach in Tenby, Wales.
- The octopus was observed changing color and texture to blend with the sand.
- This is not the first time an octopus has been spotted on Welsh shores.
Photographer Gareth, from Pembroke, saeid he “unexpectedly came across” the octopus during a low tide, according to reports. He described watching the creature bury itself in the sand, its skin shifting color and texture as it camouflaged itself.
“I watched, completely absorbed, as it began to bury itself in the sand, its skin shifting colour and texture in an effortless display of camouflage,” Gareth said.
The octopus “soon vanished from sight, as quietly as it had appeared,” he added.
Did you know? – Octopuses have three hearts: two pump blood through the gills, and one circulates blood to the rest of the body. This unique circulatory system supports their active lifestyle.
Previous Sightings in Wales
This is not the first time an octopus has been seen along the Welsh coastline. In 2022, two octopuses were spotted and rescued while crawling on a beach in Ceredigion, according to previous reporting. Another octopus was filmed changing color at Menai Bridge beach on Anglesey.
“I unexpectedly came across a beautiful common octopus,” said Gareth, a professional photographer from Pembroke.
Time.news based this report in part on reporting by BBC News and added autonomous context.
Pro tip – If you encounter an octopus on the beach, observe it from a distance and avoid disturbing it.Report sightings to local wildlife authorities to aid conservation efforts.
Why did this happen? The appearance of the octopus at North Beach is likely linked to foraging for food during a low tide. Octopuses are known to venture into shallow waters to hunt for crabs, shellfish, and other marine creatures. The relatively mild winter temperatures in Wales may also contribute to increased sightings.
Who was involved? The primary observer was Gareth, a photographer from Pembroke, who documented the event. Local wildlife enthusiasts and authorities are also indirectly involved through monitoring and potential rescue efforts. The octopus itself, a common octopus ( *Octopus vulgaris*), is the central subject.
What happened? Gareth unexpectedly encountered a common octopus at North Beach during a low tide. He witnessed the octopus expertly camouflage itself by changing color and texture to blend with the sand before disappearing from view. This event adds to a growing number of octopus sightings along the Welsh coast.
How did it end? The octopus successfully camouflaged itself and retreated into the sand, effectively disappearing from sight. Gareth’s observation ended with the octopus’s quiet departure, leaving no indication of its subsequent movements. There was no indication of distress or need for intervention.
