Aquarium's octopus devotes her final days to unfertilized eggs

A beloved octopus is entering the last stage of her life in Long Beach, and will spend the remainder of her days caring for eggs that will never hatch.

- BY KAREN GARCIA

GHOST, a giant Pacific octopus, has laid eggs and entered the final stage of her life cycle-senescence.

News of the approaching demise of Ghost — a giant Pacific octopus who has called the Aquarium of the Pacific home for more than a year — prompted an outpouring of sadness on the aquarium’s social media accounts.

The last phase of an octopus’ life cycle is known as senescence. For males, it occurs after mating. For a female, such as Ghost, the phase includes sitting on her eggs for six to seven months and a short period of time after they hatch.

Ghost most recently laid unfertilized eggs because she did not have a mate.

"Though senescence is part of the natural life cycle of a female octopus, it is still a sad time for us, especially for those who formed a bond with her as they care for her each day," said Nate Jaros, the aquarium’s vice president of animal care.