Via Aquarium octopus to soon pass away after laying eggs

ROTTERDAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Via Aquarium in Rotterdam announced that their resident octopus, Kraken, laid eggs. But for cephalopods such as octopus and squid, laying eggs or "spawning" signals the looming end of the animal's life.

In their announcement on social media, the aquarium explained that cephalopods enter a stage known as senescence near the end of their lives, often kicked off for females after they spawn. Octopuses undergoing senescence eat less, lack coordination, and experience lesions on their skin that don't tend to heal.

Kraken has been with Via for just about one year, and the lifespan of her species is about one to one and a half years. Unfortunately, according to the aquarium's Bio-Team, her clutch of eggs is not viable.

There is no exact timeframe for the end of the octopus, but experts expect her to pass by early April. The aquarium wants the public to visit and say their goodbyes to Kraken.

"Not only has Kraken been a great ambassador for octopuses and marine life by being active and engaging, but she has also made us laugh and take notice of her with her distinct, mischievous personality. We are incredibly sad to say goodbye, but feel honored to have been the stewards of this remarkable animal." Via Aquarium stated in their post.

Via Aquarium is located at 93 West Campbell Road. Daily tickets and memberships can be purchased online by visiting the aquarium's website.