May 14, 2020, by admin

The Giant Pacific Octopus has unique adaptations for feeding.  Each of their 8 arms (“octo”) is lined with suckers that can move independently of each other for maximum flexibility in small niches.  They exert tremendous pressure which is useful for eating shelled prey.  Additionally, their mouth parts which include a sharp beak and a scraping radula, allow them to efficiently eat their preferred prey of crab, shrimp, and fish.   

Watch the video of Kanaloa snatching herring from Sandy and then playing his feeding time game with her.  Use the worksheet provided to make the calculations that an aquarist does for providing enough food for her octopus. 

Note: I’m sure you very observant viewers noticed that Sandy’s mask slipped. Have no fear her partner in filming is wearing a mask and practicing proper social distancing, and we are getting her a better fitted mask.