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LOS ANGELES -- Writhing octopus, prawns and other seafood have been plated at Los Angeles restaurants for many years. The Japanese and Korean dishes are openly advertised, reviewed by food critics and patrons, and posted on YouTube.

Animal rights activists say it's time to take the dish off the table.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals this week released video of squirming octopus tentacles and twitching shrimp heads served up at Korean restaurants in Los Angeles and New York.

Live slaughter of seafood appears to fall in a loophole in California law, according to PETA. Animals slaughtered for eating are not covered in the Cruelty to Animals statute, and food regulations allow restaurants to keep live seafood.

PETA activists went to several restaurants in Los Angeles in September, and chronicled octopus, lobster and shrimp being served while still moving.

The group hopes consumers will pressure legislators to ban the practice. But the organization hinted it may not stop there. "We're taking no other options off the table until live animals themselves are taken off the table," said spokesman Ben Williamson.

Owners of Los Angeles restaurants where PETA said the live seafood was served were not available for comment.