Long Island Aquarium to the public: Name that octopus

An evil scientist who clashes with Spider-Man. A smiley, blue cartoon octopus. What might happen if you hug one too tightly.

Those are the choices — “Octavius,” “Oswald” or “Squish” — monikers the Long Island Aquarium has submitted for the public's approval to name one of its newest residents — an eight-armed, nine-brained giant Pacific octopus.

Long Islanders can vote online once a day this week. The winning name will be announced Saturday, the aquarium said on Facebook.

In recent weeks since the male octopus was acquired, aquarium staffers threw out name suggestions before narrowing them down to three choices, aquarist Brandon Badal told Newsday. “Octavius” was likely suggested by some to evoke the Spider-Man villain Otto Octavius, otherwise known as Doc Ock, while "Oswald" nods to the early 2000s Nickelodeon children's cartoon with the same name and starring a blue, bowler-hat wearing octopus voiced by Fred Savage.

“Some good references there,” Badal said. “And of course ‘Squish’ because he looks squishy.”

The soon-to-be-named octopus will likely grow to about 150 pounds with an outstretched arm span of 20 feet, according to Badal. The species of octopus can live up to 5 years and is “very good at camouflage” and fitting its boneless body through tiny spaces, he added.

The aquarium has the creature in a habitat on public display in a tank with cold temperatures akin to the north Pacific, the aquarist said. While he is not joined by any other fish, he has a few toys to play with, such as a sunken toy ship that he can open to access food.

“Octopuses are very smart, so you want to provide enrichment by interacting with them and giving them toys that are like little puzzles,” Badal said. “Having them figure out how to get the food keeps them stimulated and healthy.”