Ghost-Like Octopus Believed To Be New Genus

by | Mar 14, 2016 | Fish, Science | 0 comments

Scientists have discovered what they believe to be a new genus of deep sea octopus which they have nicknamed ‘Casper’ based on its ghost like appearance. Deep sea octopus are organized into two groups: Cirrate, or finned octopus and the incirrate octopus, which lack both fins and cirri. The Octopus was found on the floor of the Pacific Ocean near the Hawaiian Islands while the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) was collecting geological samples for an unrelated mission. This discovery was the first dive of the NOAA’s ship Okeanos Explorer’s for 2016 and the octopus was found by the remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer. ghost-octopusNOAA stated that “the appearance of this animal was unlike any published records and was the deepest observation ever for this type of cephalopod”. This particular specimen is especially unusual because it lacks pigment cells, called chromatophores, which are responsible for an octopus’ changing colors based on the environment. The octopus also only had suckers on one arm, as opposed to on two. Scientists also believe this is the deepest an octopus without fins has ever been found. Yet another example of the many unknown’s that await discovery in the depths of the deep sea.

  • Francis Yupangco

    Francis is a marine biologist with an MBA and over 20 years of professional aquarium experience. Francis is the former Aquatic Development Manager at Hagen USA., makers of Fluval brand aquarium products. He co-stars on Nat Geo WILD's reality TV series Fish Tank Kings where he is the resident "Fish Geek" and was Director of Marketing at Living Color Aquariums. He is an avid explorer having visited over 45 countries and lived in 7. At 17, he was among the youngest aquarists ever hired by the Vancouver Aquarium, where he worked for 7 years. His aquatic biology experience ranges from larval fish rearing to the design, construction and operational management of renowned public aquariums around the world. Francis is currently head of marketing at the world's largest vertically integrated fish farming company.

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