BREAKING NEWS: WORLD CUP SOCCER'S PSYCHIC OCTOPUS, PAUL, DIES IN GERMANY

Paul had correctly predicted key games in World Cup

FRANKFURT, Germany (NBC Sports) - Paul the Octopus, the tentacled tipster who fascinated football fans by predicting results at the World Cup, died Tuesday.

Paul had reached the octopus old age of 2½ years and died in his tank on Tuesday morning at the Sea Life aquarium in the western German city of Oberhausen, spokeswoman Ariane Vieregge said.

Paul correctly tipped the outcome of all seven of Germany's games. He made his predictions by opening the lid of one of two clear plastic boxes, each containing a mussel and bearing a team flag.

The octopus seemed to be in good shape when he was checked late Monday, but he did not make it through the night. He died of natural causes, Vieregge said.

"We had all naturally grown very fond of him and he will be sorely missed," Sea Life manager Stefan Porwoll said in a statement.

Paul the “Oracle Octopus,” who thrilled soccer fans with his correct predictions during the World Cup, has died of natural causes at an aquarium in Germany.