Scientists studying octopuses in Australia's Jervis Bay have captured incredible footage of the creatures using weapons to fight with each other.

Marine researchers from the City University of New York, University of Sydney, Alaska Pacific University and the University of Guelph say what the octopuses are doing in the video below is 'boxing', and it is happening because a large group of animals are living in a small area.

Scientists say the deliberate use of weapons is quite rare.

Video: Peter Godfrey-Smith (CUNY and University of Sydney), David Scheel (Alaska Pacific University), Stefan Linquist (University of Guelph) and Matthew Lawrence

Hat tip: NPR