A "much loved" octopus has passed away "peacefully in his tank" after an aquarium revealed that he had stopped "caring for himself".
Bristol Aquarium said they were "heartbroken" to lose the resident octopus DJ. Davey Jones, or just DJ as he was affectionately known by the team and visitors.
He was described as "a fun, intelligent Giant Pacific Octopus who was adored by anyone who met him," said Bristol Aquarium.
DJ had reached maturity and the natural end of his lifecycle, said Bristol Aquarium, reported BristolLive.
In a statement shared on its website, Bristol Aquarium wrote: "DJ had reached maturity which sadly brought with it a natural end to his lifecycle.
"He was being closely monitored as all octopus react so differently during what is formally known as senescence."
In biology, senescence is a process by which cells age and permanently stop dividing but do not die. It causes a decline in fitness with age which differs from the deterioration of humans usually associated with frailty in extreme old age.
The statement added: "DJ had stopped caring for himself, as would be observed in the wild.
"He passed away peacefully in his tank."
The Aquarium team were heartbroken to have to say goodbye, adding the news was sure to sadden their annual pass holders and regular visitors alike.
But for people hoping to attend one of the Aquarium's daily Octopus talks during Easter, the team has now rearranged its schedule to deal with DJ's passing.
Instead the Aquarium will now be offering a talk about the sharks and rays in their coral seas display.
Davey Jones arrived in summer of 2021 following the passing of Gloria, the aquarium's female resident Giant Pacific Octopus.
According to Bristol Aquarium's website, both male and female Giant Pacific Octopuses live to about four years old, naturally passing after breeding. They can grow up to three metres in length.
