SEA LIFE Malaysia’s Creature Feature: Giant Pacific Octopus

Check out some fun facts about each of our special marine friends that live in SEA LIFE Malaysia. This week we would like to introduce you to our Giant Pacific Octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini)!

Hey friends! I am a Giant Pacific Octopus. With eight arms or tentacles each with 2 rows of suckers, I am a handy creature capable of reaching for many things at the same time. I am also the newest addition in SEA LIFE Malaysia and when you come to visit me, I will be able to show you a few fun tricks!

Want to get to know me? Here are 5 fun facts about me!

1. I am intelligent and I have an amazing memory

I have the most well-developed brain amongst invertebrates, and I can learn to perform complex tasks and recognise and remember shapes and objects!

 

2. I am an expert at hide and seek

I have no bones, and this allows me to squeeze into the smallest of places to hide from predators or to surprise my prey. I can also change my colour and texture in milliseconds to blend in with the environment. When I am discovered, I can also produce black ink before swimming away.

3. I am the largest in my family

Unlike other octopuses, I can grow up to 9m in length, and weigh up to 50kg, making me the world’s largest known octopus’ species.

Malaysia.

4. I am curious and enjoy exploring

While I am friendly and sometimes even playful, I can also be shy and spooky. When moving, I reach around with my tentacles and use my sucker pads to understand and learn about my surroundings.

5. I have a unique yet incredible body

I have 9 brains and 3 hearts. My central brain works in tandem with the 8 smaller ones in each of my arms to help me move around, while two of my hearts pump blood to my gills, and one larger heart pumps my blue blood through my body.

Do drop by my chilling spot at the Sunken Shipwreck zone in SEA LIFE Malaysia.