Photos: Jordann Tomasek, Birch Aquarium
Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego is celebrating World Octopus Day with an exciting milestone – the successful hatching of more than 3,000 Red Octopuses. A first for the aquarium, this vibrant species is native to the California Coast and named for its striking red coloration.
From Egg to Eight-Armed Wonder
The journey began when the aquarium’s Husbandry Team discovered a female Red Octopus meticulously guarding tens of thousands of eggs in its habitat, located behind the scenes. The team believes a male fertilized the eggs before the octopus arrived at the aquarium.
Over the following weeks, the team closely monitored the tiny eggs as they developed — each one slightly smaller than a grain of rice — until they hatched. During this time, the team observed the extraordinary transformations that unfold as an octopus develops. Highlights included the yolk shrinking, essential organs — such as the three hearts — taking shape and chromatophores beginning to appear, adding the first hints of the creature’s striking coloration.
For now, the baby octopuses will remain behind the scenes as they continue to grow – this species can reach up to about 20 inches.
Celebrating Cephalopods
Octopuses belong to the class Cephalopoda, a name derived from the Greek words for “head” and “foot,” a nod to how these fascinating creatures’ arms seem to grow directly from their heads. Squid, Cuttlefish and Nautilus also belong to this class. Cephalopod enthusiasts can discover three fascinating creatures — the Giant Pacific Octopus, the California Two-Spot Octopus and the Dwarf Cuttlefish — in Birch Aquarium’s newest exhibition, Adam R. Scripps Living Seas Gallery, which opened in May.
The Giant Pacific Octopus holds the title for the largest octopus in the world, with an arm span of upwards of 13 feet and a weight exceeding 50 pounds. This gentle giant can be found in the Glancy Family Giant Pacific Octopus Habitat, located in the Pacific Northwest section of Living Seas.
The California Two-Spot Octopus sports a bright blue “eyespot” on each side of its head, fooling predators and prey into thinking they’re real eyes. This clever trick makes it appear larger, helping it ward off threats. Though elusive, lucky guests may spot it hiding within the small cylinder pier piling habitat located in the Central California section of Living Seas.
The Dwarf Cuttlefish is a master of disguise that changes color and texture to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. With lightning speed, they launch two long, specialized tentacles to snatch up prey, pulling it toward their sharp, beak-like jaws hidden among eight arms. Look for this clever cuttlefish in one of the small round habitats in the Tropical Pacific section of Living Seas.
About Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Birch Aquarium features the groundbreaking work of Scripps Oceanography and UC San Diego scientists as well as conservation breeding programs and interactive exhibits. Birch Aquarium’s mission is to connect understanding to protecting our ocean planet, which it achieves through engaging hands-on learning opportunities for more than 500,000 guests and 40,000-plus pre-K-12 students each year. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu for more information.