Treasure found in octopus' garden

South Korean scientists have uncovered a trove of valuable ancient pottery, thanks to an octopus found with crockery attached to its suckers.

A fisherman caught the animal off the west coast of South Korea in May and said that it had appeared to be hiding under a porcelain plate.

After delving deeper, intrigued archaeologists discovered a 12th century wooden wreck, laden with priceless relics.

More than 500 pieces of porcelain have been recovered since the wreck's discovery, with Yun Yong-I, a Korean art history professor from Myongji University, telling Reuters: "These are the highest quality artifacts ever discovered in our seas."

It is thought that some 2,000 pieces of pottery could be discovered on the 7.7 meter-long wreck, with those found so far thought to be from the Gorveo dynasty.

Moon Whan-Suk, of the National Maritime Museum, told Reuters that he was amazed that such a diminutive animal - the octopus was about the size of an orange - had inadvertently led to the discovery of such a valuable hoard.

"I can't believe how such a small octopus managed to cover its shell with such a large plate," he said.