OCTOPUSES AT DEATH GRIPS

Evening Star, Issue 22515, 7 December 1936, Page 6

OCTOPUSES AT DEATH GRIPS

BATTLE AT MARINE AQUARIUM

At the last meeting of the 'Portobello Marine Biological Board, Df Benham advised that he intended visiting England, and asked for leave of absence. Mr Chas. Wilson was appointed acting-chairman until Dr Benham’s return.

_ The Secretary reported that the station was now being carried on by means of a small Government grant. Having no biologist not much scientific research could be done, but the general work of the station was being carried on, and the aquarium was kept at a high standard. Specimens of local fish had been sent to the Sydney Museum, and a collection of sea slugs and other moluscs had also- been made for the Sydney Museum, and these proved to contain a number of Doris and Lamellaria, and on© seahafe, which are all not found in Suter’s list, and are probably new to science. This work will be continued as opportunity offers. Several scientists and research students had made use of the station, and Professor Percival, from Canterbury College, had brought four students to spend nearly a week on marine research.

The mild winter and spring had resulted in the survival of most of the fish held in captivity, and even in the large outside ponds the fish had not been affected byr the cold—out of 20 greenbone held in one of these ponds 16 had survived, and were in excellent condition.

Visitors to the aquarium have been particularly numerous, and one holiday it was estimated that 400 people had arrived during the day. Unfortunately, this did not x - esult in much gain to the collection box, and as all these people expected to be shown round and have things explained to them, it was time some small charge should ho made to help to maintain the station. This is the only marine aquarium in New Zealand, and it is well worth paying to see.

The glass-sided aquaria contain many beautiful and interesting fish, which may be seen in their natural surroundings, and the large tank of sea anemones is really wonderful, many fine specimens of these flower-like sea animals being displayed. The two large octopuses have attracted a great deal of attention. For many months they have lived amicably together, but recently some point of difference arose and these two fierce beasts started a wrestling match which ended in the smaller specimen completely enfolding the other and squeezing it until its struggles ceased. At this point they were forcibly separated and the larger specimen taken from the tank apparently dead. It was placed in a large outside pond, and eventually it revived. At the close of the struggle the sepia secreted by these animals was discharged and the water of the tank became a black ink-like mass impossible to see into.

For some years a blind eel or seabag has been kept, and two years ago it laid eggs which proved to be infertile. We have now a second and larger specimen in the same tank. All the aquaria are fully stocked with a variety of sea fish, and in addition a large number of jars under running water show the smaller and often more interesting.forms of sea life. Recent’ reports from the Portobello sation indicate that the yearly arrival of clear shrimps and whalefeed has taken place, and that these have been followed into the harbour by a varifety of fish. Red cod of small size are now fairly plentiful, and wrasse, butterfish, and mullet are common. and a few warehou of small size, also a number of greenbone. aro all to be taken in the vicinity of the station. Strong winds have made conditions unsuitable for fish to enter the harbour, but' the period of plentiful supply is now with us. and amateur sea anglers are assured of good sport. The Portobello Marine Board has now decided to make a small charge for admission, and if the attendance of visitors is maintained at its past level this should considerably help in the maintenance of the station.