The shell/eggcase measures 170mm across (slightly above the average size of 150mm) and was stuffed with the
typical mix of three stages of eggs, mostly fertile, in their thousands.
When found, the moribund octopus was out of the mouth of the case and died quite quickly, the iris of the eye still
being reactive for a short while afterwards.
I'm aware that these strand on beaches in SE Australia and on Bay of Plenty Islands in NZ, but it seems they are
rare in Tasmania (reportedly only one beached record between 1890 and 2013) and less numerous on NZ's west side.
There were plenty of smaller ones to be found on Mayor Island on our last visit, and my ex-diver friend recalls
chasing them amongst the hot underwater fumaroles around White Island. But some have expressed surprise
at this occurrence on a West Coast surf beach? I don't have that data.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argonauta_nodosa
Anyhow, we released the eggs into a pool in the advancing tide, and left the cephalopod for the gulls.
The beautiful egg case is now a prized ornament on our bookcase.
Thanks to Mike Clark who was photographing anemones nearby, for taking most of these pictures.
cheers
Paul
