A new Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) is settling into its new home at Bristol Aquarium.
Last month the Common Octopus was welcomed into its own home. All the way from Portugal, the new Octopus is settling in well and is already making waves.
Common Octopuses are unique creatures, with bulbous heads, large eyes and eight arms. They are very intelligent and have great defence skills; they have the ability to hide in plain sight. Using a network of pigment cells and specialised muscles in its skin, they can almost instantly match the colours, patterns and textures of its surroundings.
Their bodies can squeeze into small crevices where their predators can’t follow. An octopus can squeeze through any hole that’s bigger than its beak, which is the only hard part of its body.
Jennifer Vowles, Displays Supervisor at Bristol Aquarium, said, “Octopus are brilliant creatures! Did you know they have three hearts and blue blood? Also, they often shed their suction cups that they use to feel and taste with, so they are in tip-top condition for hunting and playing. These suction cups can be seen in the tank, making the tank look like a snow globe.
“Each arm can operate independently of one another, so, essentially, an octopus could be doing eight things at once! A great multi-tasker! At the moment, our Octopuses favourite food is crab and prawn.”
Bristol Aquarium is situated on the historic harbourside and takes visitors on an underwater adventure through the world’s oceans. This Summer Bristol Aquarium is having a Coral Celebration, with extra talks and activities
For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.bristolaquarium.co.uk or call 0117 929 8929.