A so - described “ ghostly ” cephalopod put its deep - sea acrobatics on full display this week after it was charm by researchers in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary in what the squad suppose is a previously undiscovered area . The tool is part of a genus known as Grimpoteuthis and is sometimes referred to as a dumbo octopus on score of its tail fin that look alike to those of Disney ’s iconic elephant .
The footage comes courtesy scientists aboard theE / V Nautilus , who beginning this week are in the area studying the underwater ecosystem around Davidson Seamount — a massive underwater plenty withcoral foreststhat bet like something flat out of Dr. Seuss book — at depth of up to 12,000 foot . The dumbo octopus was captured Tuesday by the squad ’s outback operated vehicles ( ROVs ) during itsaround - the - clock experience feedof its exploration of the deal ’s diverse maritime life .
Chad King , the chief scientist on the watercraft , told Earther the high - quality footage can be useful not only to scientists who want to describe other species of Grimpoteuthis , but hopefully by adding to the library of data from which expert can pull to take things like devilfish demeanor .
“ It ’s not a rare species , but it ’s rarified to descend across one , ” he said of the octopus , which investigator said measured about two groundwork in distance . “ The chance are low because we ’re in the recondite ocean in one trivial spot . ”
settle off the coast of Central California , the federally protectedMonterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaryexpanded in 2008 to include the dreamy seamount were this dumbo octopus was follow after researchers realized the need to protect it from exploitation . For example , sportfishing is prohibited beyond 3,000 feet , while the underwater pile ’s top starts below 4,000 feet .
In the footage of yesterday ’s whizz drawing card , research worker can be heard enthusiastically commentating the adorable mollusk , with a research worker at one full point exclaiming , “ You ’re gon na be famous ! ” ( This is almost surely honest . )
While they may be precious as a button , they ’re also not to be messed with . Nicholas Higgs , Deputy Director of the Plymouth University Marine Institute , toldGizmodolast year that these little guys “ wrap their prey within their webbed arms to make a balloon around them , and then consume them . ”
Nature is both endearing and metallic element as hell .
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