Octopus Culprit In Aquarium Flooding

Staff at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium in California say the trickster who flooded their offices with sea water was armed. Eight-armed, to be exact.

They blame the soaking they discovered Tuesday morning on the aquarium's resident two-spotted octopus, a tiny female known for being curious and gregarious with visitors. The octopus apparently tugged on a valve and that allowed hundreds of gallons of water to overflow its tank.

Aquarium spokeswoman Randi Parent says no sea life was harmed by the flood, but the brand new, ecologically designed floors might be damaged by the water.

The Los Angeles Times reported that the octopus, which is about the size of a human forearm when its arms are extended, floated in the water that remained in its tank while aquarium staff members tried to clean up the mess.

Octopuses are considered by many to be the most intelligent invertebrate and have good memories. Aquarium education specialist Nick Fash told the Los Angeles Times he jury-rigged his octopus tank piping with clamps and tape to prevent a similar fiasco.

"She would need tools, "Fash told the Los Angeles Times. "Some people are suggesting we call her 'Flo.'"

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