Sydney Octopus
There are over a hundred species of octopus occupying oceans throughout the world. The species we have on display here at Sydney Aquarium is a Common Sydney Octopus, sometimes also called the Gloomy Octopus.
Octopus
The Common Sydney Octopus is a very common species along the east coast of Australia and they can often be found in or close to their lair, which they make amongst rocks and other debris on the ocean floor. Octopus tend to be more active at night when they leave their lair in search of prey such as shellfish and crustaceans. They possess a formidable array of defence mechanisms, ranging from hiding in the first instance, to quick bursts of speed if spotted by a predator, use of ink sacs, camouflage and even self amputation of their limbs, a process known as autonomy.
They are also one of the cleverest animals found in any aquarium, and in scientific tests certain species have been able to identify different shapes and patterns. In addition, in the wild several species of octopus have been observed and even filmed using debris such as coconut shells as tools.
Stimulation is very important for captive octopuses, and here at Sydney Aquarium we use a number of enrichment techniques to keep our octopus occupied, such as placing his food inside containers and providing him with objects to 'play' with. Visitors may see our octopus wrapped around what at first may look like fishing line, but which is in fact part of one of the various enrichment 'toys' made by our aquarists.
All species of octopus have very short lifespans, reaching at most just 3 years. The Common Sydney Octopus tends to live for around 2 years.
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