The dumbo octopus was named after Dumbo (Disney’s flying elephant) because of its ear-like fins. It is the deepest living octopus living at 13,100 ft. below the surface of the ocean.
The dumbo octopus, interestingly enough, does not have an ink sac because it rarely comes across predators in the deep sea. It is also small compared to other octopuses. On average it is 7 to 12 inches long. This octopus swims using its fins located on its mantle and steers using its eight webbed arms.
The mouth structure of the dumbo octopus is different and unique to genus grimpoteuthis (the classification of the dumbo octopus). There are about 17 species of dumbo octopus that belong to a group called “umbrella octopus.” Because of its unique mouth structure, it can pounce on its prey eating it whole, unlike most octopus who grind their food. Their diet consists of isopods, copepods, amphipods, and bristle worms.
As you can see the dumbo octopus is an amazing creature. It is also considered one of the cutest octopuses. There are many admiring points to this animal that lives in the deep sea.
Sources:
Commentaires