Rare dumbo octopus caught on camera

On September 13, a team of marine explorers participating in a NOAA-funded expedition encountered a rare dumbo octopus in the depths of the North Pacific Ocean.

It was discovered during seabed exploration aboard the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus at a depth of approximately 1,680 meters.

The octopus, belonging to the dumbo octopus species, was observed on an unnamed seamount within the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the waters off the northwest Hawaiian Islands.

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Dumbo octopuses are known to inhabit the deep waters of the central Pacific. Their name is a nod to the famous Disney character who, like the octopus, uses his ears to propel himself.

The dumbo octopus has 13 species. This is one of the rarest types of octopus, which makes this footage even more special.

The Ocean Exploration Trust (OET), which oversaw the expedition, says the discovery highlights unexplored ecosystems in the most remote corners of the ocean.

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