Source: AP News
Ghost, a giant Pacific octopus at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, is nearing the end of her natural life cycle and has received an outpouring of affection from visitors and social media fans. After laying unfertilized eggs that will never hatch, Ghost has entered senescence, a final stage in which octopuses stop eating and devote their remaining energy to protecting and caring for their eggs.
Aquarium staff noted she has touched countless lives, with many people sharing memories of seeing her, showing tattoos inspired by her, or wearing clothing featuring her likeness. In the wild, giant Pacific octopuses live solitary lives, coming together only briefly to reproduce before females spend their last days tending eggs. While her eggs won’t survive, Ghost’s dedication and the affection she inspired highlight both the beauty and poignancy of the species’ life cycle.
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