The Nautilus Live expedition has captured some rare and stunning sea creatures. The researchers recently came across a large ‘dumbo’ octopus slowly drifting through the water.
The Nautilus Live expedition has studied some rare and stunning sea creatures. The researchers recently came across a large ‘dumbo’ octopus slowly drifting through the water.
It leisurely changed position from a sideways pose to an upside down one. In this case, the octopus’ slow motion allowed the Nautilus crew to zoom in and record close-up views of the eyes and flesh.
The long cirri can even be seen. With all ‘dumbo’ octopuses there is one pair for each sucker located along the length of each arm.
The ‘dumbo’ octopus captured in the footage is part of a group that appears to spend most of their time up in the water rather than on the floor of the ocean. Typically, they drift around, just like this one, with their arms and web spread wide open like an umbrella.
The scientists believe its part of a feeding posture, but they’re still unsure how the creatures manage to catch the small crustaceans which they prey on. When escaping predators, they swim off in the opposite direction while flapping their fins.
‘Dumbo’ octopuses received their name thanks to their resemblance to the Disney character. Unlike the one witnessed by the Nautilus team, most of them hover close to the sea bed while looking for food. Thus far, 18 species of ‘dumbo’ octopuses have been found.
