Overview

• Ghost laid eggs this week, but they will not hatch because the Aquarium of the Pacific does not pair octopuses to prevent aggression and potential injury.
• Staff say she will devote the coming months to brooding, a natural phase called senescence during which females often stop eating.
• The aquarium cites research noting expected senescence signs that may appear, including skin retraction around the eyes, uncoordinated movement, and white nonhealing lesions.
• She will be taken off public display in the coming days for specialized care after becoming a visitor favorite since arriving in May 2024 from a vetted collector.
• The aquarium reports strong public response to the news and says a newly arrived octopus will take over educational duties on exhibit.