Tantalising tentacles on show in Sea Life Centre

The new feature exhibition, called the Octopus Garden, includes six different species of octopus and their cuttlefish cousins - believed to be the most intelligent marine animals on earth. Pride of place will be given to the Giant Pacific Octopus, which weighs more than 15kg and has an arm-span of more than four metres.

The specially designed display tanks which will house the octopus and cuttlefish will be situated in an underwater garden setting, with colours and shapes inspired by the psychedelic 60s.

There will also be giant puzzles for visitors to test their wits against the renowned intellect of the octopus. Scarborough Sea Life Centre manager Mike Salt, said: “This is going to be our most amazing feature exhibition yet.

“As well as the other species of octopus we will also have a common octopus like Paul the psychic octopus from Oberhausen Sea Life in Germany who achieved global fame with his eight straight correct World Cup predictions.

“The Octopus Garden will also house the jet-propelled, gas-fuelled prehistoric cephalopods nautilus which are essentially an octopus inside a spiral shell.

“The incredible cuttlefish which can change colour to give itself the perfect camouflage against any background will be another in the line up.”

Last month, the centre hosted the world’s first underwater photography exhibition.

The tanks at the Sea Life Centre were filled with a series of famous faces including television presenters Dan Snow and Ellie Harrison, world champion cliff diver Gary Hunt and world-renowned yachtsman Mike Golding taken by Kate Westaway

It was launched by the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, one of the oldest charities providing financial support to former seafarers, in honour of “unsung heroes of the sea”.

For more information on the exhibit telephone 01723 373414.