A Rare Dumbo Octopus Spotted During Deep-Sea Livestream

During a recent deep-sea expedition, researchers experienced a delightful surprise when a rare dumbo octopus was spotted live on camera. This captivating marine creature, known for its distinctive flapping fins resembling the ears of Disney's Dumbo, was filmed during an EVNautilus livestream by the Ocean Exploration Trust. The footage was captured by the remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) Hercules, which was exploring the ocean floor at a staggering depth of 5,521 feet, approximately a mile beneath the surface.

The sighting occurred near an unnamed seamount located within the vast Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM), a 580,000-square-mile protected marine area in the Central Pacific Ocean. As the researchers observed the octopus floating gracefully above the ROV, the excitement was palpable.

"Wow! I'm glad we got to see a live one," exclaimed a crew member aboard the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus as the octopus gracefully floated into view. The crew was initially surprised by the creature's pale appearance, which they later attributed to the bright lights illuminating the dark ocean behind it. "Given the completely blue background and the light reflecting on it, that's probably making it look a little whiter," another crew member noted.

The Nautilus researchers determined that the dumbo octopus was floating around 65 feet above the ocean floor. One of the crew members suggested it was likely a species of Grimpoteuthis, remarking, "That is a wonderful view." These fascinating creatures belong to a genus of deep-sea umbrella octopuses and are known for their unique adaptations to life in the depths of the ocean.

Dumbo octopuses are believed to be the deepest-living octopuses, found at depths ranging from 3,300 to 13,100 feet. Their rarity makes sightings incredibly special, prompting excitement from marine researchers and enthusiasts alike. The Ocean Exploration Trust, which has been exploring the Central Pacific for years, noted that this particular dumbo octopus is a type of demersal cirrate octopod. These octopuses are often seen swimming close to the ocean floor, using their large ear-like fins to propel themselves in search of food.

These adorable octopuses feast on various deep-sea creatures, including copepods, isopods, bristle worms, and amphipods. Their unique feeding strategy involves using their flapping fins to glide through the water and capture prey.

Due to their elusive nature, dumbo octopuses have developed fascinating reproductive strategies to ensure the survival of their species. Females are capable of storing sperm for long periods, allowing them to fertilize their eggs when environmental conditions become favorable. They lay their eggs on hard surfaces on the ocean floor, providing a safe environment for the developing young.

Interestingly, deep-sea animals like the dumbo octopus do not experience the same structural challenges as human-made diving vehicles. According to Jon Copley, a professor of ocean exploration, the pressure in the deep ocean does not crush these animals because their bodies lack gas-filled compartments like human lungs. "If you drop an iron bar into the ocean, it doesn’t implode when it reaches a certain depth because of pressure—it’s made of solid matter, which is incompressible," he explained.

As the Nautilus expedition continues its exploration, researchers hope to discover even more rare and incredible creatures lurking in the deep ocean. With approximately two million species of animals believed to inhabit the ocean, and only about ten percent of them described by biologists, the excitement for new discoveries grows. "As most of the ocean, by volume, is deep sea—defined as anywhere more than 200 meters deep—it's safe to say that at least half of all ocean species are likely to be deep-sea species," Copley remarked.

With the ongoing exploration and the dedication of researchers, the mysteries of the deep sea will continue to unfold, revealing the wonders that lie beneath the surface.

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Update 09/26/23, 12:10 p.m. ET: This article was updated with comment from Jon Copley.