The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium on Sanibel has a new resident, a Giant Pacific Octopus, which are the largest species of octopus. They have eight arms, three hearts, and blue blood.
The Giant Pacific Octopus is intelligent and requires extensive daily enrichment to encourage that species’ appropriate behavior. Museum aquarists worked during the first few weeks of its arrival to establish a relationship with the Octopus. It’s healthy, strong, and loves to interact.
The transition to its new home at the National Shell Museum & Aquarium has been seamless, even given the disruption of Hurricane Milton.
Senior Aquarist Carly Hulse said, “The new Giant Pacific Octopus is curious and not at all bashful. Much larger than the Two-Spot Octopus and Caribbean Two-Spot Octopus we also have on exhibit, the GPO will enhance our visitors’ experience as they learn more about the diverse mollusks, shells, and marine life in our Living Gallery of Aquariums.”
During rebuilding following Hurricane Ian, the Museum took the time needed to improve and strengthen aquarium and exhibit conditions before welcoming hundreds of new animals. Several adjustments were made to the Giant Pacific Octopus life support system to ensure ideal water quality, filtration, and temperature.
New supporting exhibits in the Living Gallery illuminate the biology and behavior of mollusks including growth, anatomy, feeding, reproduction, and amazing traits that can be difficult to explain by science. New exhibit features include videos, large touchable shells, dioramas, a growth series of Junonia shells, and more.
Some of the most popular species on view include Flamingo Tongue, Strawberry Conchs, Giant Clams, Disco Clam, Queen Conch, Horse Conch, Lined Seahorse, California Sea Hare, Giant Triton, and Red Abalone. Keeper Chats are presented daily at 11am and 2pm during which Aquarists share fun facts about its octopuses and other marine life.
Visit the new star attraction when the Museum reopens on Tuesday, October 22nd following cleanup from Hurricane Milton.
For more information visit ShellMuseum.org