PAUL the octopus, who shot to worldwide fame after correctly predicting a host of World Cup matches, has died, his owners said today.

Stefan Porwoll, manager of the Oberhausen Sea Life Centre in Germany, said: “His success made him almost a bigger story than the World Cup itself.”

Paul predicted the winners of all Germany’s World Cup clashes, and then of the final by selecting one of two boxes, each loaded with a food treat and marked on the outside with one of the teams.

His death was not entirely unexpected - common octopuses generally only live for two years.

“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,” said Mr Porwoll.

“We may decide to give Paul his own small burial plot within our grounds and erect a modest permanent shrine.”

Paul will feature in a documentary to be released early next year.