Octopus Eggs Hatching at North Oregon Coast Facility

Baby octopus

(Seaside, Oregon) – The Oregon coast landmark Seaside Aquarium is almost the proud parent of something like 3,000 baby octopuses – or octopi, depending on what side of this linguistic argument you stand on.

Aquarium’s female Rubescense octopus laid her eggs a few weeks ago and they are finally beginning to hatch. Something like 25 have popped out already, but most are hiding in the gravel of the fish tank or behind rocks and are difficult to see, said the aquarium’s Tiffany Boothe.

“Because the eggs are not laid all at the same time the eggs will not hatch all at once,” Boothe said. “One of the reasons they are so difficult to see is that they are about the size of a grain of rice. It also seems that some have taken refuge in the gravel that is lining their tank.”

Boothe said the aquarium is feeding the tank with fresh, unfiltered ocean water an attempt to keep their kind of brine shrimp food in good supply.

Baby octopus - or next "Aliens" sequel?

“The female octopus dies shortly after the eggs hatch, so the display will depend on how long she lives,” Boothe said. “Once she passes we will take the display down.”

The aquarium will try to keep a handful of the 3,000 or so babies to try and raise them to adulthood, but manager Keith Chandler said the odds are against that. “It’s very difficult to maintain getting them enough food,” he said. “It’s very labor intensive too.”

The rest will be released into an intertidal area when they hatch, because their chances for survival are better in the ocean. “We’ll be waiting for a calm day around here for that,” Chandler said.

Boothe said octopuses lay about 2,000 to 3,000 eggs, usually in July through September. They then hatch in February through May of the following year.

Octopus and her babies

A Rubescense octopus has a two-year life cycle, laying their eggs once after a year of growth, then dying.

Boothe said these type of octopuses hatch as planktonic larvae that feed on zooplankton. “They then settle down as a benthic organism, using shells, bottles, and other small shelters as dens. Animals in the laboratory have even buried themselves in sand or gravel substrate when nothing else is available.”

The scientific name for this kind of creature is Octopus Rubescens, and Boothe said it is a generalist carnivore. “That means that they basically eat whatever meat they can catch, wherever they happen to live,” she said. “Prey ranges from crabs to barnacles, and may include gastropods, like snails, and bivalves, like clams.”

Boothe said the Rubescens is known to be fairly intelligent. Scientific studies have shown it to have considerable learning ability for an animal that size, equitable to the abilities of a rat.

Chandler said there is still a raging debate going on in the aquarium world of whether the plural of octopus is octopi or octopuses, although most linguistic reference materials maintain it is “octopuses.” Seaside Aquarium, on the Prom, in Seaside.

DIVE INTO LUXURY, HISTORY AT THE TIDES

THE TIDES BY THE SEA, Seaside. For over 80 years, The Tides has been a favorite of Seaside visitors. History meets modern luxury here. 51 oceanfront condos, individually owned and decorated. Find suites for couples, small apartments with fireplaces and kitchenettes, one or two bedroom family units with fireplaces, kitchens and dining rooms. There are wonderful oceanview cottages that sleep anywhere from two to eight people, with two bedrooms, some with lofts, fireplaces and kitchens.
Meanwhile, the heated outdoor pool, enormous grounds with picnic tables and location at the quiet southern end of Seaside make for some memorable means of play and repose. 2316 Beach Drive. 800-548-2846. www.thetidesbythesea.com.

BREATHTAKING CLIFFTOP IN NEWPORT

STARFISH POINT is located on the Central Oregon Coast - in Newport - and offers only the finest in luxury condominium lodging. At Starfish Point, every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the beach.
All of the units boast two bedrooms, two bathrooms, designer kitchens, wireless broadband Internet, fireplaces, Jacuzzi’s and private decks - surrounding you in soothing relaxation. We have a friendly staff dedicated to high quality and superb customer service. 140 NW 48th Street, Newport. (541) 265-3751. (800) 870-7795. www.starfishpoint.com

Weiss' Paradise Suites & Vacation Rentals - Seaside

Unique Luxury Accommodations in Seaside. 1BR Suites, 1BR & 2BR Duplex Units and 3BR Houses, units for 2-8 people. Rent our entire property for 20-26. All units close to beach, river and Broadway St.
Suites are designed for two adults; vacation rental units for families. All units have kitchen and many have fireplace, deck and jetted tub. Enjoy comfy robes & slippers, luxury bath amenities, quality linens and more. See us on The Travel Channel's "Great Escapes" show in August 2006. 741 S. Downing St., Seaside. 800-738-6691. www.SeasideSuites.com

Inn At Spanish Head, Lincoln City. It's Lincoln City’s only resort hotel built right on the beach with all oceanfront rooms - nestled against a rugged cliffside overlooking a soft, sandy beach. Enjoy dining in the penthouse restaurant and bar - whether you’re in the mood for a casual meal or a candlelight dinner. They offer an array of seafood specialties, juicy steaks and other Northwest favorites, including a decadent Sunday buffet. Rooms range from bedrooms to studios to one-bedroom suites with microwaves and refrigerators to full kitchens. Hotel amenities include wi-fi, spa, saunas, exercise room and a year-round heated swimming pool. Kids will love the game room and easy beach access. Full-service conference and meeting rooms for that inspirational retreat; extensive, gorgeous wedding possibilities. Near the south end of Lincoln City at 4009 SW Highway 101. 1-800-452-8127 or 541-996-2161. www.spanishhead.com