New Species of Tiny Blue Octopus Discovered in the Galápagos
A new species of tiny blue octopus has been discovered in the Galápagos, described in the journal Zootaxa. Researchers initially spotted the octopus in 2015, but it was not until 2022 that it was confirmed as a new species using advanced imaging techniques. This discovery highlights the importance of biodiversity and the need for its protection in the ocean's depths.
- ▪The tiny blue octopus was discovered near Darwin Island in the Galápagos in 2015.
- ▪It was initially thought to belong to the Thaumelodone genus but was later reclassified as part of the Microeledone genus.
- ▪The octopus was preserved and examined using a CT scanner to identify its unique features.
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Nature can be a lot of things—beautiful, bloody, sweet, savage. And sometimes it’s just plain cute. For the latest example of nature at its most adorable, look no further than the little blue octopus—small enough to fit in the palm of your hand—just described in the journal Zootaxa, along with photos and videos of its discovery near Darwin Island in the Galápagos.The little blue octopus was spotted in 2015 by researchers aboard the submersible Nautilus in 5,800-ft. deep waters.
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