Six-legged 'hexapus' claimed as world first in Britain

AFP on Yahoo ^ | 3/3/08 | AFP

[NormsRevenge]

LONDON (AFP) - British marine experts have found what they claim is a world first -- a six-legged octopus, or "hexapus," whom they have christened Henry.

The unique sea creature, which has two limbs fewer than a normal octopus, is believed to be the result of a birth defect rather than an accident, say his keepers at the Blackpool Sea Life Centre in northwest England.

"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 supervisor Carey Duckhouse.

Henry was discovered in a lobster pot off the north Wales coast two weeks ago, and was one of eight creatures that Sea Life staff picked up from a local marine zoo there -- where staff hadn't noticed his missing legs.

It was only when he attached himself to the inside of a glass tank that Sea Life staff noticed he was two limbs short of a full set. Octopuses are renowned for having three hearts and blue blood, but not usually six legs.

"He's a lovely little thing," said a spokeswoman, adding that he will go on display to the public later this month.

[NormsRevenge]

A handout image from Blackpool Sealife Centre shows an octopus with six legs, or 'hexapus.' British marine experts have found what they claim is a world first -- a six-legged octopus, or "hexapus," who they have christened Henry. (AFP/HO/Blackpool Sealife Centre)

[bmwcyle]

It grew too close to the nuke plant.

[massgopguy]

Does he play the clarinet?

[MHGinTN]

These are very intelligent creatures ... said to be as smart as African Gray Parrots.

[BreitbartSentMe]

So, if he’s the only one known, is he automatically placed on the Endangered Species list??

[Greg F]

Lucky William F. Buckley didn’t pull up that lobster pot. He’d have made calimari and dropped a $100 into a bottle in the lobster pot . . .

[Chili Girl]

Probably ate too many Chinese foods.

[John123]

three hearts

So they can rapidly pump blood to their extremities?

[Conspiracy Guy]

I have a monopus. I named him Pogo.

[lightman]

If it is a new species this might refute Darwin as there would seem to be no benefit for being “two short of a full set”.

[Charles Henrickson]

"MOM!!"

[Red Badger]

[NormsRevenge]

I’ve heard that,, rumor has it they can solve Rubik’s cubes almost as fast as a human.. also very good at squeezing into very tight spots and trapping their quarry.

[668 - Neighbor of the Beast]

Looks better than an octopus, by a factor of 2.

[skr]

LOL! Henry, the red-faced Octo. : )

[NormsRevenge]

maybe another James Bond remake is in order..

HexaPu .. oh never mind..

[thulldud]

Tell me, O Octopus, I begs Is those things arms, or is they legs? I marvel at thee, Octopus; If I were thou, I'd call me Us.

(Everybody knows I didn't write this.)

[MHGinTN]

One research program showed just how smart they are by having a newly trapped octi watch as an octi in an adjoining tank opened a jar lid to get to a food source inside. After one run, the n00bie could accomplish it for him/herself ... smarter than an FR n00b!

[COBOL2Java]

British marine experts have found what they claim is a world first -- a six-legged octopus, or "hexapus," whom they have christened Henry.

My grandson calls him Squidward.