'It's blue!': Scientists discover new deep-sea octopus near Galapagos Islands
Summary
Scientists discovered a new species of small, blue octopus nearly 1,800 meters deep near the Galapagos Islands. Named Microeledone galapagensis, this octopus has a unique blue color and unusual physical features unlike other known octopuses.Key Facts
- The new octopus was found near the Galapagos Islands at a depth of about 1,800 meters (almost 6,000 feet).
- It is very small, about the size of a golf ball.
- The octopus has a rare blue color on its back and deep purple color underneath.
- It has stubby arms with only one row of suckers, different from most other octopuses.
- Scientists used CT scans to create a 3D model of the octopus’s insides without harming the single specimen.
- The octopus belongs to the Megaleledonidae family, generally made up of much larger octopuses from the Southern Ocean near Antarctica.
- The blue octopus may cover its prey with its dark web to avoid attracting predators.
- More new octopus species are often found in deep sea areas that haven’t been well explored.
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