Cash for Sea Creatures

Rescued octopodes find cozy new home at Aquarium of the Bay.

San Francisco's always been a safe haven for misfits, and that even extends to marine life.

The Aquarium of the Bay has a new guest: a giant pacific octopus caught by a crab fisherman and turned in for a reward, according to the SF Appeal.

Because fishermen often kill accidentally-captured octopodes, the aquarium offers cash incentives for turning them over to rescuers. Crabbers and molluscs sometimes have a tense relationship, since crab traps inadvertently provide an ideal octopus habitat. Irritated fisherman will often kill the creatures rather than throw them back.

This latest addition is the aquarium's fourth, and weighs about 80 pounds.

The pacific giant octopus is believed to be the largest octopus species, with an arm span around fourteen feet. They're a source of food for numerous other local species, such as harbor seals and whales, so it's important to maintain their numbers. Despite their importance, they are not currently protected by conservation conventions.

At the Aquarium of the Bay, there's still room for more. If you happen to find yourself in possession of a giant pacific octopus, you can contact the aquarium for donation details.
 

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