It's always a treat to find an octopus on the reef, especially outside the protection of its hole. And pretty uncommon during day dives.

We were lucky enough to catch this one scurrying across the top of Joy's Joy reef, changing colors depending on the reef over which he was passing.

Finally, he stopped at our approach and puffed himself up to appear larger and more threatening. But he was clever enough to know — they are, afterall, the smartest of the shellfish — this wouldn't deter us. So, he only paused a moment before disappearing into a crack in the reef.

Still, even a brief encounter with an octopus is always a treat.

This was our 14th dive of the trip and a lovely shallow reef.