Meet Octavia the giant Pacific octopus!

If you’ve been by the octopus exhibit in the Northern Waters Gallery on the third level lately, you may think that it’s empty. However, if you look a little closer, you’ll see one of the Aquarium’s newest residents: Octavia, the giant Pacific octopus.

Octavia the giant Pacific octopus

Octavia the giant Pacific octopus

Octavia joined us just a couple weeks ago. She hails all the way from British Columbia and we’re pretty sure she’s is just about one year old. As of now she weighs somewhere in the neighborhood of 15 pounds, but she’s growing every day!

One of the Aquarium's previous octopuses. This species can weigh up to 150 pounds.

So, stop by and say hi next time you’re on the third level! But, remember that octopuses have the ability to change both their color and texture to camouflage in their environment which makes her really good at hiding, so you’ll have to look carefully to see her!

-Sam

[Read more about Aquarium octopuses in this post describing how a giant Pacific octopus named Truman managed to squeeze into a 15-inch-by-15-inch box. You can also check out this YouTube video featuring Senior Aquarist Bill Murphy interacting with an octopus named George.]