A New Species of Tiny Octopus Was Discovered in the Galápagos Islands

A recently identified tiny blue octopus inhabiting the deep sea off the coast of the Galápagos Islands is remarkably small, fitting comfortably within the palm of a hand. A team of researchers from Chicago's Field Museum has formally designated this species as Microeledone galapagensis in a study published in the journal Zootaxa.

This octopus was first observed during a 2015 deep-sea expedition with the research vessel E/V Nautilus. Marine biologists deployed a remotely operated underwater vehicle (RoV) to examine the ocean floor near Darwin Island, located at the northern end of the Galápagos archipelago. As the RoV's camera traversed the seafloor at a depth of 1,773 meters (5,817 feet), the team discovered the vibrant blue octopus.

Through meticulous investigation, the researchers successfully retrieved the blue octopus and recorded footage of two additional specimens. Despite conducting extensive analyses post-mission, the team found themselves at a loss regarding its taxonomic classification. They reached out to expert Janet Voight of the Field Museum, sharing an image of the creature. Voight remarked, "Right away, I knew it was something really special. I'd never seen anything like it."

Determining whether an organism represents a new species necessitates a comprehensive examination of its anatomical features. Given that the blue octopus was the sole specimen of its type ever collected, the researchers were reluctant to perform any dissection that might compromise this valuable find.

To address this challenge, the team employed x-ray computed tomography (CT) to generate and compile thousands of micro-scans, ultimately producing a detailed 3D model of the blue octopus, capturing both its internal and external structure. This advanced imaging technique allowed for the examination of intricate details, including its compact tentacles—characterized by a limited number of suckers—its unpigmented, smooth skin on the dorsal side, and a distinctive funnel-shaped organ. This wealth of information enabled the classification of the octopus as a new species, integrating it within the broader category of cephalopods. "Because CT imaging is nondestructive, it's especially important for type specimens like this one," stated coauthor Stephanie Smith. "And that's great for me, because people are often bringing me these incredibly rare and stunningly beautiful specimens that I get the privilege of virtually opening up."

The identification of this new species also underscores the vast unknowns of our oceanic depths. Ongoing expeditions and research are essential for deepening our comprehension of these largely uncharted ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of their protection.

"These are little octopuses that live in the deep sea, and hardly anybody on Earth has ever gotten to see them. I just feel lucky that I got to work with them," Voight expressed. "If you took all the land on Earth and pieced it together, you would not cover the Pacific Ocean. The oceans are so big, and there's so much left to explore."