MH
04,03,08, 12:06
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Henry the six-legged octopus
The world's first six-legged octopus has been caught in a lobster pot off the North Wales coast. The "hexapus" was found by fishermen two weeks ago before being handed into Blackpool Sea Life Centre. Experts say its two missing limbs are the result of a birth defect rather than an accident, and it is the first known example of its kind. "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 display supervisor Carey Duckhouse. Henry, as staff have named him, was one of eight creatures of a breed known as 'lesser octopuses' that Sea Life staff were given by Anglesey Sea Zoo. But zoo staff did not realise Henry only had six limbs - it was only when he fastened himself to the display tank his secret was revealed. Octopuses need subdued lighting and flash photography can be fatal. But a quick-thinking staff member snapped a picture 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. 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.
http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30100-1307812,00.html
Henry the six-legged octopus
The world's first six-legged octopus has been caught in a lobster pot off the North Wales coast. The "hexapus" was found by fishermen two weeks ago before being handed into Blackpool Sea Life Centre. Experts say its two missing limbs are the result of a birth defect rather than an accident, and it is the first known example of its kind. "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 display supervisor Carey Duckhouse. Henry, as staff have named him, was one of eight creatures of a breed known as 'lesser octopuses' that Sea Life staff were given by Anglesey Sea Zoo. But zoo staff did not realise Henry only had six limbs - it was only when he fastened himself to the display tank his secret was revealed. Octopuses need subdued lighting and flash photography can be fatal. But a quick-thinking staff member snapped a picture 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. 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.
http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30100-1307812,00.html