23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
An Angel in My Head

A Japetella octopus in the Sea of Cortez. Although not a rare creature, it is usually found thousands of feet below the surface. I’m not sure what drove it to the surface (perhaps a predator?), but I hope it made its way back to where it belongs.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Mexico
Camera: Canon EOS R5
Copyright: © Angela J. Sanchez