'Psychic' octopus Paul dies

Paul the psychic octopus, who became an international sensation correctly predicting match results during the World Cup, was found dead today.

"He appears to have passed away peacefully during the night, of natural causes, and we are consoled by the knowledge that he enjoyed a good life here and that the care provided him by our dedicated displays team could not have been bettered," said Sea Life Center manager Stefan Porwoll.

A statement released by the Oberhausen, Germany, aquarium described staff as "devastated," even though the death was expected due to the life expectancy of the common octopus species. It said his body was "in cold storage while Sea Life management decides how best to mark his passing."

EPA

To that great tank in the sky: Paul the octopus, who predicted all 7 German World Cup games and also the final correctly, has died.

"We may decide to give Paul his own small burial plot within our grounds and erect a modest permanent shrine," said Porwoll.

Paul shot to fame after correctly predicting eight World Cup results from his tank. The eight-legged oracle was subsequently offered movie and book deals and acquired a talent agent.

The tentacled teller also experienced the downside of fame, receiving death threats from German soccer fans angry that he annointed Spain as winners over his home team and even being slammed by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as an agent of "Western propaganda and superstition."

He recently retired from his clairvoyant career, shortly after predicting that England would host the 2018 World Cup.

Sea Life emphasized that Paul's legacy would live on.

"A new younger common octopus had been acclimatizing behind the scenes," the statement said. "The new octopus shall be named Paul, too."

Additionally, a permanent sea turtle rescue center funded by donations in Paul's name is planned for the Greek island of Zakynthos.