A mesmerizing deep-sea live video stream captured a delightful sighting of the “Dumbo” octopus serenely swimming near the seafloor of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
One of the Ocean Exploration Trust’s deep-sea submersibles spotted this marine marvel as it gracefully glided through the profound depths, reaching a remarkable 5,518 feet. The octopus observed was approximately two feet long, almost double the typical size for this species. The video appears pure white, likely due to the intense lights emitted by the submersible.
The “Dumbo” octopus, which comprises 17 species within the genus Grimpoteuthis, earned its name because its two undulating fins resemble the ears of Disney’s beloved elephant character. These octopuses are the deepest living of all known octopuses, with some venturing to depths of nearly 16,000 feet. Interestingly, they lack an ink sac, possibly because it’s unnecessary at these depths with few natural predators.
The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument is the largest marine protected area in the United States, covering an expansive 600,000 square miles. Its establishment in 2006 is considered one of the significant achievements of President George W. Bush, who was inspired to create this protected sanctuary after watching Jean-Michel Cousteau’s documentary “Voyage to Kure” at the White House.
