Rare "Blanket Octopus" Spotted Near Shore Stuns Beachgoers in Evia

Beachgoers at Almyropotamos on the island of Evia were treated to a rare sight this week when a Tremoctopus, commonly known as the "blanket octopus," was spotted swimming close to shore.

The species is known for its unusual size and the distinctive webbing that connects its arms, giving it the appearance of an unfurled sheet as it moves through the water — the trait behind its Greek nickname, "sentoni," or "bedsheet."

Swimmers captured images and video of the creature just a short distance from the coastline, documenting its striking form and scale.

Blanket octopuses typically inhabit deeper waters, and sightings in shallow, near-shore areas are considered highly unusual, marine experts say, making the Evia encounter especially notable.