The latest creature to take up residence at Sea Life Brighton is a juvenile octopus named Pumpkin.
The new arrival, aged between 3-6 months old, is too young to have its gender determined just yet, although staff at Sea Life Brighton believe the octopus is a girl based on her behaviour.
Pumpkin is housed in a custom-built tank in the Victorian Arcade at Sea Life Brighton, the world’s oldest operating aquarium, together with a number of special features to ensure she feels at home.
One example of this is a range of ‘flows’ in the tank, creating different tidal movements in the water – just as a common octopus would experience when swimming and hunting prey in the wild. This is the first time such a feat has been achieved at Sea Life Brighton, and is already proving successful as Pumpkin enjoys swimming around her tank, encouraged by the currents of the water.
Pumpkin seems to be enjoying all elements of her new home at Sea Life Brighton, taking time to explore the hiding places in her tank and adapting her camouflage accordingly.,She has even teased the aquarists during tank cleaning by playing with the hose.
Dr Kerry Perkins, cephalopod expert at Sea Life Brighton commented: “Pumpkin is such a character and a wonderful addition to Sea Life Brighton – our visitors are in for a real treat when they meet her.
“The common octopus is pretty smart as a species, as intelligent as a toddler – and just as mischievous too! There is nothing worse than being outsmarted by an octopus, but I think Pumpkin might give us a run for our money!
“She is fascinated by what is happening outside of her tank, from visitors to Sea Life Brighton staff, Pumpkin observes and takes it all in. Pumpkin can actually see through the glass of her tank and recognise facial features, she’s also beginning to remember people – I like to think that I’m her favourite!”
For more information on visiting Sea Life Brighton and booking in advance go to www.visitsealife.com/brighton or call 01273 604234.
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