Researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have discovered the 'dumbo octopus', a deep-sea creature with ear-like fins, near the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the Pacific Ocean

A 'Dumbo octopus', a deep-sea creature with ear-like fins, has been discovered a mile underwater in the Pacific Ocean.

Researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have spotted the elusive dumbo octopus a mile underwater in the Pacific Ocean. This discovery occurred during the Ala 'Aumoana Kai Uli (NA154) expedition, where scientists explored the Woollard Seamount, located approximately 40 nautical miles north of Holaniku.

The 'Dumbo octopus', named after Disney's beloved character Dumbo due to its ear-like fins, has unique features that enable it to thrive in the depths. With large, ear-shaped fins and webbed arms, these creatures gracefully navigate the ocean depths. Their head, known as the mantle, houses essential body organs and gills, while their textured and somewhat translucent skin adds to their mystique.

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The 'Dumbo octopus', named after Disney's beloved character Dumbo due to its ear-like fins, has unique features (

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One of the most intriguing aspects of these deep-sea creatures is their longevity. Unlike their shallow-water counterparts, deep-sea octopuses, especially this particular species, have a lifespan ranging from three to five years, making them fascinating subjects for scientific study.

The Woollard Seamount and Holaniku, part of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument (PMNM), serve as the backdrop for this incredible discovery. The PMNM, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed U.S. National Monument covering 583,000 square miles, was established in 2006 and expanded in 2016 to preserve the unique marine ecosystem formed by the same geological processes that shaped the Hawaiian islands.

These recent sightings have shed light on the dumbo octopus population residing in the PMNM, emphasizing the area's ecological significance. NOAA scientists have noted the creatures' ability to maintain their position in the water column with minimal effort, using their ear-like fins to gently flap and their limbs to steer.

Despite these revelations, much about these deep-sea octopods remains shrouded in mystery, including the purpose of their peculiar sense organs and the extent of their vision. NOAA researchers express the need for continued exploration, highlighting the vast unexplored regions within the PMNM.

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