Baby Octopus Born at Weymouth Sea Life

22 June 2011, 13:36 | Updated: 22 June 2011, 13:38

Several pregnant female octopus were brought to Weymouth Sea Life and so far two have given birth to several babies.

All baby octopuses are given constant supervision by their adoptive dad, Derek Scales. They are handfed with tweezers so as to closely monitor their eating habits and general health.

The first batch of babies, which are barely visible immediately after birth, were born 5 weeks ago, followed by a second batch 2 weeks later. These babies are currently in a tank with their mother, which has a film camera attached to it.  

Visitors to Weymouth Sea Life can watch the babies grow on a TV screen that faces into the Park.

Weymouth Sea Life aims to raise a total of 40 captive born octopuses. Once these are the size of ping pong balls, they can begin to be sent to other Sea Life aquariums. 6 to 8 will be held back to breed from.