How Can I Help?

ArgoSearch seeks the assistance of individuals, groups or organisations with information on argonauts in Australian waters.

What sort of information is wanted?

reports of shell strandings, ranging from single shells to mass strandings
reports of sightings of live animals at sea (underwater or from boats)
diet records from predator studies
any small octopuses caught in light traps

For all distribution reports it is critical that the following information is provided:

precise location of sighting or collected shell
date
presence/absence of animal with shell
an image of the shell

ArgoSearch is also seeking tissue samples (a 1cm x 1cm plug of muscle) from any beach-washed animals. These samples can be either frozen or fixed in ethanol.

Tissue samples are invaluable for a broader DNA study investigating the evolution of these oceanic octopuses and their relatives.