STUNNING photographs show a rare octopus 'bloom' off the lizard peninsula.

Falmouth photographer Lewis Jefferies, 36, said a large number of octopus had been spotted at the popular dive site so he decided to head down.

He said: "To my delight I came across more than six different individuals on a single dive including seeing courtship display by a mating pair.

"These are incredible animals to see, their ability to change shape and colour in an instant is magical and you can see their intelligence when you look in to their eyes as they study you in return."

A huge octopus ‘bloom’ is currently being witnessed along the south coast of Cornwall. A 'bloom' refers to a significant increase in the population of common octopuses in a specific area.

Lewis explained: "They are usually a rare sight here but favourable conditions can lead to a huge rise in numbers around this time of year.

"These blooms can cause concern with the fishing community as octopus feed on commercial species like crabs and lobsters and also raid fishing pots.

"However, they also eat a range of other species and can themselves be sold for a good price by fishers."

He added: "But we must remember that this is their home and that these natural phenomena are only temporary.

"These incredible and intelligent creatures should be celebrated, octopus are intelligent, sentient and complex animals that deserve our respect, and there is much we can learn from them."

The pictures were taken on May 29.