Ghost, the much-loved giant Pacific octopus at California's Aquarium of the Pacific, is coming to the end of the last act in her life. Having become famous for her intelligence, charm and curiosity, she has captivated and intrigued visitors and scientists alike with her friendly demeanour and unique connection with people. As she moves into senescence, the natural closing of an octopus's lifespan, her tale provides a unique insight into one of the natural world's most intimate metamorphoses.
Who is Ghost and why is she unique?
Ghost arrived at the Aquarium of the Pacific during May 2024 after she was collected from the wild in British Columbia. She weighed just three pounds at the time but now tips the scales at over 30 pounds. Her strawberry-red body glows underwater, and her more than 2,000 suction cups showcase the strength of her eight powerful arms.
It is not only her striking appearance that draws attention. Ghost's mischievous cleverness has endeared her to guests and caretakers alike. She is facile with puzzles, frequently bypasses food for attention, and even hugs caretakers with what appears to be an embrace. She has become one of the aquarium's favourite residents over the years.
What Happens During Senescence in Octopuses?
Experts believe Ghost is now between three and five years old, the usual lifespan for giant Pacific octopuses. During senescence, octopuses undergo significant changes. Their colours fade, their movements slow, and even small wounds heal more slowly. For females, this stage is closely linked to reproduction.
A female giant Pacific octopus lays eggs only once, producing a clutch of up to 74,000. She devotes every moment to caring for them, cleaning and oxygenating them while refusing food. Ghost is displaying these maternal instincts now, even though her eggs are unfertilised due to the aquarium’s policy of not pairing males and females. This guarantees her contentment and avoids territorial tension during her last weeks.
How Much Time Does Ghost Have Left?
The course of senescence is quite variable, lasting weeks or even months. Ghost's symptoms started in September 2025 and have been mild thus far. She is now being kept in a secluded, private room where she can tend to her eggs without disturbance.
Even with an unsuccessful brood, Ghost's commitment is unshaken. Her actions are the epitome of the profound maternal instinct programmed into the species' genetic makeup. Every careful movement about her eggs demonstrates the strength and instinct that mark these remarkable creatures.
What Legacy Will Ghost Leave Behind
Ghost's time might be running out, yet her legacy lives on. She has moved visitors, scientists and artists. Caretakers have been able to teach her to volunteer for health checkups, and she functions well mentally, often solving complicated tasks. Her affection for human touch has triggered fan art, merchandise and even tattoos in honour of her.
Seeing an octopus go into senescence is uncommon, and Ghost's life teaches a powerful lesson about the cycles of life. Her life reminds us that the last page is just as important as the first. As the Aquarium of the Pacific so eloquently put it, she has made "an eight-armed impression on all our hearts."
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