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World’s First ‘Hexapus’ Discovered
This is the world's first "Hexapus", according to marine experts in Britain.
Discovered off the coast of North Wales, its two missing limbs are the result of a birth defect rather than an accident.
The hexapus, which has two legs less than a normal octopus, has been christened Henry by staff at Blackpool Sea Life Centre.
"We've scoured the internet and talked to lots of other aquariums and no-one has ever heard of another case of a six-legged octopus," said displays supervisor Carey Duckhouse.
Henry was found in a lobster pot somewhere off the north Wales coast two weeks ago, and was one of eight creatures of a breed known as 'lesser octopuses' that Sea Life staff picked up from the Anglesey Sea Zoo.
But staff at the Zoo didn't realise Henry only had six limbs - it was only when he fastened himself to the glass display tank his secret was revealed.
Octopuses need subdued lighting and flash photography can be fatal, but a quick-thinking staff member snapped the best picture he could before Henry found a different resting place with his legs tucked beneath him.
Octopuses are renowned for having three hearts, blue blood and the ability to alter their skin complexion in the blink of an eye.
But marine experts at the centre cannot find there ever being an example of a 'Hexapus' before.
Henry is in a cold-water display tank and will go on display with other octopus as part of a new exhibition at the centre, entitled Suckers.
The Metro: March 2008