The terratocotta gargoulette in Tunisia

Fishing octopus with terracotta amphorae (gargoulette) is an ancient fishing method handed down from generation to generation, spread from North Africa to South America, up to the coasts of Europe.

The amphorae are like burrows that the octopus uses as a shelter, during the day, to protect itself from predators.
This type of fishing is widespread on the coast of Zarzis, where it is usual to insert a lure inside the amphorae, that entice the octopus to enter.

In the early morning the amphorae are lifted in the boat and the octopus are taken out. After that the amphorae are thrown overboard again.