Between our Baltimore and Washington, DC, venues, more than 17,500 animals representing 900 species call the National Aquarium home. There are constant changes, additions, and more going on behind the scenes that our guests may not notice during their visit. We want to share these fun updates with our community so we’re bringing them to you in our weekly Animal Update posts!
Check our blog every Friday to find out what’s going on… here’s what’s new this week!
Baby Giant Pacific Octopus!
We have a new giant Pacific octopus on exhibit! Currently the size of a softball, this species can grow to weigh up to 90 lbs! In fact, they are the largest species of octopus in the world.
Found in the coastal regions of the North Pacific, the giant Pacific octopus is highly intelligent and adaptable, making them a hard catch for predators.
These masters of camouflage can quickly change the color and texture of their skin to match the background. By rapidly drawing water into the mantle and expelling it through the tube-like siphon, they can jet themselves backward, away from danger.
Once this juvenile matures a bit, our staff will begin regular enrichment exercises to encourage cognitive thinking.
Aquarist Morgan Denney facilitating an enrichment with our giant Pacific octopus in Baltimore!
One exercise involves giving the octopus a container with food inside. The octopus opens the container quickly, using more than 1,800 suction cups that help it locate and taste the item inside.
Be sure to check back every Friday to find out what’s happening!
What’s the new baby’s name!? ❤
We haven’t named our baby yet, Brittany! We may just have to open it to the public for suggestions 😉