New Blue Octopus Species Discovered Near Galapagos Islands

Galapagos. Scientists have discovered a new species of rare blue octopus in the deep sea near the Galapagos Islands. Found at a depth of about 1,800 meters below sea level, this small marine creature has surprised researchers not only with its unusual color but also with its potential characteristics of body structure, habitat, and behavior.

This octopus was first seen during an observation by scientists using a remotely operated submersible in the deep sea. The creature, which appeared as blue as the sea and was no larger than a golf ball, was recorded on video with one scientist excitedly exclaiming, ‘There it is! It’s blue!’

Research on this new species, discovered by a team from the Charles Darwin Foundation, was published on Monday. According to octopus expert Janet Voight, she felt it was an extremely special creature the moment she saw it. Upon being asked to identify the unusual species, she began its study.

Initially, curators at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago studied the creature’s images and descriptions. Later, a preserved specimen was sent to her via mail. She was amazed upon receiving the specimen. According to her, the creature looked very attractive and extraordinary.

One reason for her immediate interest in this species was the fact that its closest known relative lives off the coast of Uruguay, in a different marine region of South America. This has prompted scientists to raise further questions about its origin, evolution, and distribution.

Typically, preparing a scientific description of a new octopus species involves cutting its body sample to examine its mouth, beak, teeth, and other internal structures. However, this time, researchers had only one specimen and were reluctant to risk cutting it.

As an alternative, the Field Museum team resorted to modern technology. Using CT scans, thousands of X-ray images were created, and all of them were combined to build a detailed three-dimensional (3D) model of the octopus. This process made it possible to study its internal structure without the need to damage the external structure.

Stephanie Smith, head of the Field Museum’s X-ray laboratory, said it was a special experience to spend a day observing the internal structure of a creature that no one had ever seen before.

Scientists have named this new species Microeledone galapagoensis. This species is particularly known for its blue color, as such a color is considered relatively rare in nature.

According to research, this octopus appears to be related to the Megaledonidae family. Members of this family are usually very large in size and are found in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica. However, the new species is small in size and has been found in a different environment.

According to Voight, its stubborn small arms, only a single row of suckers on each arm, and smooth skin on its posterior surface distinguish it from most known octopuses. Even when compared to other species with short arms and a single row of suckers, its color and skin texture make it unique, she said.

The color pattern is also interesting. Researchers have stated that its upper part appears light blue, while its lower part is a very dark purple. Scientists speculate that this color combination helps the creature protect itself in the deep sea.

According to Voight, if the octopus catches prey that emits light, the resulting glow can attract larger predators. In such a situation, the octopus may use its dark-colored part to cover the prey, which helps protect itself from enemies.

Scientists say that finding new deep-sea octopus species in poorly studied marine areas is not entirely unusual. They state that a large part of Earth’s vast ocean floor remains to be explored in detail.

In this regard, Voight pointed out how vast the ocean depths are and how they are still filled with unexpected mysteries, noting that even if the entire landmass of the Earth were joined together, it would not completely cover the Pacific Ocean.

She also informed that a new octopus species was last observed off the coast of Costa Rica in 2023.

The blue octopus currently under discussion was first seen near Darwin Island in 2015. The island was named after the English scientist Charles Darwin, who made significant contributions to the development of the theory of evolution during his visit to the Galapagos.

Detailed research on this new species has been published in the prestigious scientific journal Zoologica.