The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is proud to announce the arrival of its newest resident, a playful and active Giant Pacific Octopus.
Giant Pacific Octopuses are the largest species of octopus. They have eight arms, three hearts, and blue blood. They are extremely intelligent and require 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 Giant Pacific Octopus. It is 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.
“The new Giant Pacific Octopus is curious and not at all bashful,’’ said Carly Hulse, National Shell Museum & Aquarium Senior Aquarist. “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. ShellMuseum.org
About the Museum: The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is a natural history museum and aquarium, and the only museum in the United States devoted primarily to shells and mollusks. Its mission is to use exceptional collections, aquariums, programs, experiences, and science to be the nation’s leading museum in the conservation, preservation, interpretation, and celebration of shells, the mollusks that create them, and their ecosystems. For more information, please visit ShellMuseum.org or call (239) 395-2233.
