An alumni group affiliated with Western Washington University has shared images of a giant Pacific octopus that washed ashore recently in Bellingham.
“Pictured is a local Marine Life Center staff member gathering data, giving us a chance to learn about the Giant Pacific Octopus life cycles and biology,” the Foundation for WWU & Alumni stated via Instagram. “This is a rare look at one of the ocean’s most mysterious creatures.”
Giant Pacific octopus strands in Bellingham, Wash.
The images provide a unique glimpse of a remarkable critter that resides in the North Pacific and can measure 15-plus feet with outstretched arms. (Check out the closeup of the suction cups in the Instagram post below.)
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The giant Pacific octopus, the planet’s largest octopus, is known for its intelligence and use of a complex camouflage system to avoid predators.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium describes the giant Pacific octopus as a master of disguise and states on its website: “The color-changing, jet-propelling giant Pacific Octopus is a brainy beauty that can disappear in the blink of an eye. Its magic tricks are surprising, psychedelic – and perfectly practical.”
The cause of death of the octopus found in Bellingham is unclear. But the lifespan of a giant Pacific octopus is only three to five years.
From the Monterey Bay Aquarium: “A giant Pacific octopus will live a solitary life until the very end, at which point it will seek out a mate, reproduce and die shortly thereafter.”
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Giant octopus found on Washington beach, collected for science