Grimpoteuthis discoveryi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Grimpoteuthis discoveryi |
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| Specimen collected in 2009 | |
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Grimpoteuthis discoveryi is a small, deep-sea octopus. It's often called a "Dumbo octopus" because of the ear-like fins on its head, which help it swim. Scientists first described this amazing creature in 2003. However, some specimens were found much earlier, even as far back as 1910! The first official specimen was found in the North Atlantic Ocean.
About the Dumbo Octopus
This octopus is quite small. Its body, from head to the tip of its arms, can reach up to 370 millimeters (about 14.5 inches) long. The main part of its body, called the mantle, can be up to 58 millimeters (about 2.3 inches) long.
Physical Features
Grimpoteuthis discoveryi has long arms. Like other Dumbo octopuses, a web connects its arms. This web covers about two-thirds of its arm length. It has between 56 and 61 suckers on its arms.
Interestingly, the suckers on female octopuses are smaller and shaped differently than those on males. Females also tend to have slightly larger mantles than males. This octopus has a white body. Its eyes appear dark grey or black when scientists preserve them for study.
Scientists have noticed some differences in these octopuses. It's possible that what we call G. discoveryi might actually be two different species!
Where it Lives
This deep-sea octopus lives in the bathyal zone. This zone is also known as the "midnight zone" because sunlight cannot reach it. G. discoveryi has been found very deep, from 2,600 to 4,870 meters (about 8,500 to 16,000 feet) below the ocean surface.
It lives in the Porcupine Seabight, which is a deep area in the northeast Atlantic Ocean. This octopus likely lives on the seafloor. It can be found on both rocky and soft parts of the ocean bottom.
Population Status
We don't know exactly how many G. discoveryi octopuses there are. However, scientists have classified the species as "Least Concern." This means they are not worried about it becoming endangered. This is because it lives so deep in the ocean, far away from most human activities that could harm it.
