Rare Seven-Armed Octopus Found Alive in Scotland for the First Time

A rare seven-armed octopus, known as a septopus, has been discovered alive for the first time in the UK. The creature washed up on the shore of Collieston, a coastal village in Scotland, surprising locals and marine experts alike. The septopus was initially found with a large diameter and unusually big suckers, leading some to mistake it for a giant squid. After examination by Aberdeen University’s zoology department, it was confirmed as a septopus—a deep-sea species so uncommon that only four sightings have been recorded in the last 40 years.

These creatures typically live at depths below 1,640 feet, making them difficult to study. Unlike most octopuses, the septopus has its eighth limb—a reproductive organ—hidden in a sac behind its right eye. Fully grown, it can reach lengths of around 11 feet, placing it among the largest octopuses in the world. How the septopus ended up ashore remains unclear. Experts suggest it may have been accidentally caught in trawl nets, attacked by a whale, or simply become disoriented in shallower waters. The remains have since been frozen for further research and could eventually be preserved as museum specimens.

The discovery marks the first live sighting of a septopus in UK waters. Its remains will now undergo detailed study, offering scientists a rare opportunity to learn more about this elusive deep-sea species. The find also highlights the mysterious nature of marine life that occasionally surfaces in unexpected places.