It was sea lion versus octopus at Dunedin’s Steamer Basin — and there was likely to be only one winner.

The unfortunate octopus can be seen being tossed repeatedly by the much larger sea lion.

Thomas McLean, who filmed the interaction on Tuesday, noted this was not just for the fun of it.

"Due to his lack of grinding teeth, this male pakeke has to toss his catch violently to tear it into more manageable pieces.”