News from Newquay
SPUD-SHAPED TOY A-PEELS TO GIANT OCTOPUS
A giant octopus at Newquay's Blue Reef Aquarium has formed an unlikely attachment with a child's toy given to him as a spoof Christmas present.
Much to the surprise of his keepers Louis the giant Pacific octopus, named after Louis Armstrong, has fallen under the spell of last year's must-have toy - Mr. Potato Head Opti-Mash Prime.
Launched to coincide with Transformers the Movie, the latest incarnation of the familiar spud-shaped character comes dressed as Optimus Prime, the fictional commander of the heroic Autobots.
Blue Reef Curator Matt Slater said: "We're pretty sure the makers of the toy hadn't envisaged it being used as part of an environmental enrichment programme for a giant octopus.
"However its bright colours, strange shape and moveable parts make it fascinating for Louis.
"There's even a secret space within Mr Potato Head that allows us to hide tasty treats inside and that perhaps more than anything has resulted in him becoming such a hit," he added.
In the past keepers have used everything from Perspex boxes to rubber toys and even fishing floats to keep the octopus mentally active.
Giant Pacific octopus are the world's largest species of octopus and are found from
As well as being the largest, the giant Pacifics are also among the cleverest members of the cephalopod family.
"Louis is well known for his curiosity and intelligence. We've devised a series of puzzles, games and toys to ensure he's getting the mental stimulation he needs but Mr Potato Head is definitely his favourite at the moment," said Matt.
Despite their intelligence giant Pacific octopus are relatively short lived - going from the size of a rice grain at birth to being fully grown within the space of two years.
