Paul the Octopus, who became world famous by correctly predicting eight out of eight 2010 World Cup games, died on Tuesday in his tank at the Oberhausen Sea Life Center in Germany. Aquarium spokeswoman Ariane Vieregge said Paul, who was 2 and a half years old, died of natural causes.

"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 Stefan Porwoll, manager of the Sea Life Center. "His success made him almost a bigger story than the World Cup itself. We may decide to give Paul his own small burial plot within our grounds and erect a modest permanent shrine.

"While this may seem a curious thing to do for a sea creature, Paul achieved such popularity during his short life that it may be deemed the most appropriate course of action."

Paul predicted the outcomes of Germany's seven games as it finished third, and Spain's victory over the Netherlands in the final. He made his predictions by opening the lid of one of two clear plastic boxes, each containing a mussel and bearing a team flag.