‘Ghost’ octopus dies after tragic, built-in death spiral at Long Beach aquarium

A beloved deep-sea diva has taken her final bow.

‘Ghost,’ a giant Pacific octopus who captivated visitors at the Aquarium of the Pacific, has died after entering the final, haunting stage of her species’ life cycle.

The fan-favorite wasn’t struck by illness or injury. Instead, she succumbed to senescence, a natural process triggered after female octopuses lay eggs.

In her final months, ‘Ghost’ was moved behind the scenes, where she devoted herself entirely to a clutch of eggs that would never hatch.

‘Ghost’ was moved behind the scenes, where she devoted herself entirely to a clutch of eggs that would never hatch. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Like others of her kind, she stopped eating and spent her remaining time carefully guarding and cleaning them.

It’s one of the animal kingdom’s strangest endings: after reproducing, a female octopus’ body begins to shut down.

Hormonal changes drive them to abandon feeding, deteriorate physically and ultimately die, all while protecting their eggs.

Giant Pacific octopuses, the largest species of octopuses on Earth, typically leave three to five years and grow rapidly during that time.

‘Ghost’ herself became a standout resident at the Long Beach aquarium, known for her size, intelligence and curiosity. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

‘Ghost’ herself became a standout resident at the Long Beach aquarium, known for her size, intelligence and curiosity.

Staff said frequently she interacted with keepers and enrichment toys, showing off the problem-solving skills that make octopuses some of the most intelligent invertebrates in the ocean.

Her death, while expected, leaves a noticeable void at the popular waterfront aquarium, where she had become a favorite among both guests and staff.

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