What creature's tentacles washed up on an Aberdeenshire beach?

The tentacles belonged to a rare seven-arm octopus, also known as Haliphron atlanticus.

Where do seven-arm octopuses normally live?

Seven-arm octopuses are deep-sea creatures, typically found hundreds of meters below the ocean's surface.

What is being done with the seven-arm octopus remains found at Forvie National Nature Reserve?

The remains have been frozen for further scientific study and may be preserved as museum specimens.

Home / Environment / Rare Seven-Arm Octopus Stuns Aberdeenshire Coast

Rare Seven-Arm Octopus Stuns Aberdeenshire Coast

3 Dec

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Summary

Mysterious tentacles on a Scottish beach identified as a rare seven-arm octopus.
The deep-sea creature lives hundreds of meters below the surface.
Remains are preserved for further scientific study and potential museum display.

Rare Seven-Arm Octopus Stuns Aberdeenshire Coast

What initially appeared to be unusual tentacles washed ashore on an Aberdeenshire beach have been identified by marine biologists as the remains of a rare seven-arm octopus. The discovery was made at Forvie National Nature Reserve, where local staff were alerted to the find on Sunday. After some investigation, experts confirmed the specimen to be Haliphron atlanticus, a deep-sea species typically residing hundreds of meters below the ocean's surface.

Reserve staff initially noted the large diameter and suckers of the remains, ruling out common local species. Speculation ranged from giant squid to other deep-water creatures, but the absence of teeth on the suckers led to further inquiry. Marine biologist Dr. Lauren Smith emphasized the rarity of such a find, noting that the species lives at depths exceeding 500 meters, making its appearance in the North Sea a significant puzzle.