Paul the Octopus, who became a World Cup phenomenon after predicting correctly all Germany's matches and the World Cup final, has died.

The news was announced by the Sea Life aquarium in Oberhausen, Germany. The staff said they were "devastated" to learn that Paul had passed away during the night, BBC reports.

"We are consoled b the knowledge that he enjoyed a good life here and that the care provided him by our dedicated displays team could not have been better," said Stefan Porwoll, manager of the aquarium, as cited by ESPN.

Octopuses rarely live beyond two years. Said to have been born in 2008, his death was not unexpected.

Paul gained international fame this summer during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where he correctly predicted all games involving Germany and also picked Spain to win the final over the Netherlands.

Before each game Sea Life staff helped Paul make his prediction by lowering two boxes of food into his tank, one carrying a German flag and the other bearing that of their opponents. The case he opened first was adjudged to be his predicted winner.