Meet the Dumbo Octopus: This Is What This Little Guy Can Do

Have you ever heard of the Dumbo Octopus? This fascinating creature may not be as well-known as its more famous octopus relatives, but it has some incredible abilities. Named after the Disney character Dumbo the elephant because of its ear-like fins, is a unique and intriguing species of octopus that lives deep in the ocean. But, do not let its small size and cute appearance fool you! This little guy is capable of some impressive feats that set it apart from other octopus species.

What Is a Dumbo Octopus?

The Dumbo octopus is not just one species but an entire genus of deep-sea umbrella octopuses, characterized by their ear-like fins. They live in the deep ocean, possibly the deepest of all octopuses, enduring cold and no light conditions. With at least 15 species, they employ unique reproductive strategies, including storing sperm and laying eggs on the ocean floor. Dumbo octopuses move by flapping their fins and are primarily predators of pelagic invertebrates. Despite their rarity and preference for extreme depths, they face few threats from human activities.

What Differentiates It From Other Sea Creatures?

Dumbo octopuses are the deepest-living octopuses known, residing at depths of up to 13,000 feet below the ocean surface. They are part of the cirrate octopus group, characterized by slender protrusions called cirri on their suckers, though the exact function of these is still uncertain. Unlike other octopuses, they propel themselves through water by flapping their fins rather than using jet propulsion. They feed on creatures they find on the ocean floor, such as snails and worms.

Sightings of Dumbo Octopi

An octopus was recently discovered at an unnamed seamount 5,518 feet (1,682 meters) deep in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument near Hawaii. This monument, covering an impressive 582,578 square miles (1,508,870 square kilometers), is considered the largest contiguous fully protected conservation area in the US, surpassing the combined area of all national parks in the country. The discovery was made during the Ala ʻAumoana Kai Uli expedition conducted by the nonprofit Ocean Exploration Trust’s Nautilus vessel.

This monthlong expedition aimed to explore previously unseen deep-sea areas within the national monument, utilizing seafloor mapping operations and remotely operated vehicle dives to gather data on geologic history, wildlife, and cultural resources, including World War II shipwrecks. Funding for the expedition was provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Ocean Exploration program.

Fun Facts About the Dumbo Octopus

Here are some fun facts about this ghostly-looking creature:

1. They Are Pregnant All the Time

The Dumbo Octopus takes reproductive strategy to unparalleled levels. These females can maintain a state of pregnancy almost indefinitely. Through a remarkable mechanism, they store sperm from a mate, selectively fertilizing their eggs at their discretion. With a relatively short lifespan of 3 to 5 years, they commence reproduction around their first or second year, affording them control over their reproductive timing.

2. They Have Blue Blood

Human blood appears red due to the presence of iron, while Dumbo octopus blood is blue because of its high copper content. This unique trait allows copper to efficiently circulate oxygen through the octopus’s body. The use of copper-based hemocyanin in the blood of Dumbo octopuses is advantageous in the cold, oxygen-rich environment of the deep sea. Copper is more efficient than iron at binding to oxygen at low temperatures, making hemocyanin well-suited for oxygen transport in the deep, cold waters where these octopuses reside.

3. They Are Younglings in “The Industry”

Yes, we mean the deep-sea creature discovery list! In 2016, a new member of the Dumbo family, Grimpteuthis imperator, was discovered near the Aleutian Islands in Alaska by the German survey ship, R/V Sonne, at a depth of approximately 14,760 feet (4,500 meters). Through DNA analysis, mini MRI, and CT scans, scientists identified this distinctive creature as a previously unknown species. Named the Emperor Dumbo, this discovery underscores the potential for further revelations as technology continues to advance, providing greater opportunities for deep-sea exploration.

Would you ever want to see a Dumbo octopus in real life?

You might also want to read: The Octopus: What This Sea Creature Can Teach Us