Forget the polls and the electronic worms. If the prophecy of the Herald's very own psychic octopus is to be believed, Tony Abbott will be inked out of history come the federal election.

The octopus, Cassandra, was consulted at the Sydney Institute of Marine Science, after it became clear that Paul - the German oracle octopus that enjoyed a spectacular run of success during the World Cup - was too busy to help.

I choose you ... Cassandra, the Herald's octopus, picked Julia Gillard to win the election. She turned a defensive black when confronted with Tony Abbott's photo. Credit:James Alcock

Cassandra's preference for Julia Gillard was clear. Despite being a solitary animal, she wrapped her long arms around the Prime Minister's photo.

Her reaction to the Opposition Leader's image was less enthusiastic: she turned a defensive black colour.