Archive · 10 Dec 2025
Seven-Legged Octopus Washes Ashore in Scotland
A very rare seven-legged octopus, called a septopus, was found on a beach in Scotland.
It was big, with arms about 20 inches long.
Researchers think it might have been attacked by whales or got caught in a fishing net.
They are excited because this kind of octopus is very rare.
People saw it on November 30 and shared pictures online.
A scientist named Dr. Lauren Smith is studying it to learn more.
A seven-legged octopus, known as a septopus, was found on a beach in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
The octopus had arms measuring around 20 inches and was identified as female.
Researchers believe it may have been attacked by whales or caught in a trawl before washing ashore.
The creature was discovered on November 30 and photos were shared on social media.
Dr. Lauren Smith, a marine biologist, is studying the rare find, which has excited researchers.
- Who
- Beachgoers and researchers, including Dr. Lauren Smith
- What
- A seven-legged octopus (septopus) washed ashore
- When
- November 30
- Where
- Ythan estuary, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
- Why
- Unclear, possibly attacked by whales or caught by a trawl
- Location
- Ythan estuary, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
- Date Found
- November 30
- Species
- Septopus (seven-legged octopus)
- Arm Length
- 20 inches
- Gender
- Female
- Researcher
- Dr. Lauren Smith, marine biologist at Saltwater Life