a rift

sea-nerd-adventures:

Working with cephalopods like this reef octopus is such an incredible privilege. With their incredible intelligence, ability to learn and figure things out, and each individual’s unique set of behaviors that gives them a “personality,” it is easy to form an attachment to these animals and grow to love a creature that will only have a natural life cycle of a few years at most. This little nugget was the first octopus I ever worked with, and she just recently completed her life cycle. We knew it was coming, but because I personally get attached so easily, it was sad! But, she lived and amazing life and was a true delight to work with. She taught me so much about octopuses, enrichment, and the joy that comes with being an aquarist. My experiences with this incredible animal makes me excited to work with our common octopus and other cephalopods that I hope to be lucky enough to work with in the future.