Guests visiting the Pacific Seas Aquarium will now be greeted by a new resident almost immediately after entering. The aquarium’s former spider crab exhibit has been transformed into a new habitat for a Giant Pacific octopus, and its first resident, Eve.

Creating the new, larger exhibit required a blend of science, engineering and artistry. Aquarists carefully redesigned the space to reflect the natural rocky habitats octopuses prefer in the Puget Sound. The team incorporated textured rockwork, crevices and hiding places that mimic underwater caves, giving Eve opportunities to explore, rest and behave as she would in the wild. Lighting, water flow and environmental enrichment were also thoughtfully planned to support the health and curiosity of this highly intelligent species.

“Eve is already settling into her new surroundings,” said Staff Biologist Mark Murray. “She is curious and very interactive with her environment and the aquarists who care for her, often solving puzzles and opening jars.”

The Giant Pacific octopus is the largest species of octopus in the world and is packed with fascinating adaptations. Each of its eight arms has two rows of suction cups. A female can have up to 2,240 suckers in total. These suckers help the octopus explore its surroundings through both smell and taste. Each arm can operate somewhat independently of the brain, giving the octopus extraordinary control and flexibility.

Guests can visit Eve and watch her explore her new home in the Pacific Seas Aquarium any day we’re open (current hours: Thursday–Monday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.).

The aquarium’s former octopus habitat, known as Puget Sound Wonders, has also been refreshed with new residents. The exhibit now features Puget Sound king crab, red sea urchin, gumboot chiton, tubesnout, and three-spined stickleback.