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Dumbo Octopus

With their ear-like fins that resemble the Disney character Dumbo’s ears, dumbo octopuses are among the most charming and unusual creatures of the deep sea. These octopuses are rarely seen and are among the deepest-living of all known octopus species.

 

The name “dumbo octopus” does not refer to one species, but rather 18 different species in the genus Grimpoteuthis. They live in the deep sea around the world, ranging from depths of 100 to 7,000 meters (328 to 22,965 feet). Their large fins that flap like ears and webbed arms help them swim through the dark water — an unusual means of travel for octopuses, which typically rely on jet propulsion to move. They also differ from many other octopuses in that dumbo octopuses do not have an ink sac and cannot change — likely since these abilities are of no use in their pitch-black habitat.

It is believed dumbo octopuses feed primarily on small, slow-moving animals such as tiny crustaceans and marine worms. They may be vulnerable to a number of predators, including sharks, fur seals, fish, and sperm whales. Most of their life, however, remains a mystery — some dumbo octopus species are known only from a single recorded observation — and scientists still have much to learn about these hard-to-study octopuses. 

 

 

Given the rarity of dumbo octopuses, it is difficult to determine their conservation status. Currently, no species has been determined to be endangered, although most species lack the data to be properly assessed by researchers. Their preference for deep depths has likely shielded them from major human influences, although some species are known to be susceptible to the threats of bottom trawling. Additionally, disturbances such as commercial deep-sea mining could also disrupt their fragile environment and pose a risk to dumbo octopuses and other deep-sea creatures. 

 

 

Deep-sea mining may destroy deep-sea habitats, drive species extinct, and introduce vibrations, noises, chemicals, and clouds of sediment into the ecosystem. Scientists, and multiple countries around the world are calling for a pause on deep-sea mining to protect these fragile marine ecosystems and wildlife like the dumbo octopus. Learn more about why it is so important to protect the deep sea here.

 

 

 

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