Scientists report the discovery and formal identification of a previously unknown deep-sea octopus species near the Galápagos Islands, off Ecuador. The animal—described as a small, vivid blue octopus roughly the size of a golf ball—was first observed during a deep-sea expedition using a remotely operated submersible/ROV. According to multiple accounts, the octopus is encountered at depths of about 1,773 meters (around 5,800 feet), crawling on the seafloor near an underwater mountain. The species is officially named Microeledone galapagensis, and the discovery is detailed in a scientific paper in the journal Zootaxa. Sources emphasize that the Galápagos region remains scientifically underexplored in deeper waters and that the islands host many unique species found nowhere else on Earth. Several outlets describe the moment it appeared on camera during the expedition, while others focus on the significance of confirming a new species through subsequent study. Overall, the reports agree on the octopus’s size, blue coloration, location near the Galápagos, the approximate depth, and its new species designation.
Scientists identify new golf ball-sized blue octopus species near the Galápagos
Scientists report the discovery and formal identification of a previously unknown deep-sea octopus species near the Galápagos Islands, off Ecuador. The animal—described as a small, vivid blue octopus...
- A new octopus species, Microeledone galapagensis, is described from the Galápagos region.
- The octopus is about golf-ball sized and is blue in color.
- Researchers encountered it at roughly 1,773 meters (about 5,800 feet) deep on the seafloor.
- The animal was first observed by ROV/submersible during a deep-sea expedition near an underwater mountain.
- The finding is published in the journal Zootaxa.
While on a deep-sea expedition in the Galapagos in 2015, scientists found a golf-ball sized, short-armed blue octopus. In a recent study, they confirmed that it’s new to science. The newly described octopus, named Microeledone galapagensis, was first sighted with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) near an underwater mountain, roughly 1,773 meters (5,800 feet) below […]
2 months agoScientists knew they had encountered something special when they first saw the tiny blue octopus in the depths of the Galapagos Islands.
3 months agoScientists knew they had encountered something special when they first saw the tiny blue octopus in the depths of the Galapagos Islands.
3 months agoOn the ocean floor near the Galapagos Islands, a submersible controlled by scientists came across a mysterious octopus as blue as the ocean and no bigger than a golf ball.
3 months agoOn the ocean floor near the Galapagos Islands, a submersible controlled by scientists came across a mysterious octopus as blue as the ocean and no bigger than a golf ball.
3 months agoScientists have announced the discovery of the newest animal found in the Galápagos - an adorable blue octopus the size of a golf ball.
3 months ago
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