Astonished Fishermen Pull Octopus With 32 Tentacles From Ocean

In a stunning marine discovery, fishermen stumbled upon a truly extraordinary octopus while preparing to release it back into the water. What initially seemed like a routine catch quickly turned into a remarkable find when they realized this was no ordinary mollusc. This rare octopus boasted an astounding 32 limbs, an anomaly that left experts and enthusiasts alike in awe.

The 32-legged octopus that was pulled out of the city of Sacheon located in the South Gyeongsang Province in South Korea on 15th June 2021. (Newsflash)

During a period when fishing octopus is prohibited, the fishermen’s decision to examine their catch more closely led to the revelation of the octopus’s unique feature. Unlike typical octopuses that have eight limbs, this specimen exhibited 32 limbs growing from its original eight, resembling the branches of a tree. This rare sight prompted the men to photograph the unusual octopus and share it with local media.

Experts explain that such occurrences can happen when an octopus’s limbs are injured and a phenomenon known as ‘overgeneration’ takes place during the healing process. This results in the regeneration of additional limbs beyond the normal number. Despite the rarity of this find, it is believed to be the first documented instance of an octopus with 32 limbs.

A 96-legged octopus that was found in Matoya Bay in Japan in December 1998. (@shimamarineland/Newsflash)

However, this peculiar specimen does not hold the record for the most limbs ever found on an octopus. That record belongs to an extraordinary octopus discovered off the coast of Japan in 1998, which had an impressive 96 legs. Before this, another record-holder from 1957 had 85 legs.

This unusual octopus discovery adds to the rich tapestry of marine curiosities and highlights the incredible diversity within ocean life. It’s also worth noting that South Korea and Japan, known for their culinary delicacies involving live octopus, have traditions that include eating these creatures despite the risks associated with their consumption.

The specific species of this 32-limbed octopus remains unidentified among the 300 known octopus species. This finding not only fascinates marine biologists but also emphasizes the continuous wonders of the natural world that await discovery.