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Scientists discover new deep-sea octopus near Galapagos Islands
Researchers used non-destructive CT scans to identify the golf-ball-sized species and avoid cutting the only known specimen.
- On Monday, Field Museum researchers officially described Microeledone galapagensis, a new octopus species discovered near the Galápagos Islands during a 2015 deep-sea expedition using high-resolution CT scans.
- Researchers aboard the E/V Nautilus first spotted the creature in 2015 near Darwin Island at about 5,800 feet depth, initially suspecting it belonged to the Thaumelodone genus before further analysis proved otherwise.
- Using non-destructive CT imaging, Field Museum X-ray lab manager Stephanie Smith and curator Janet Voight revealed anatomical differences including a unique single tooth and smooth skin, confirming reclassification into Microeledone.
- Published in the journal Zootaxa, findings illustrate deep-sea biodiversity while Voight noted the discovery reminds us that "extraordinary things" exist in "inky ocean depths" requiring protection from threats.
- Climate change and deep-sea mining threaten such undiscovered species, with an estimated 91% of marine life remaining unknown as oceans absorb more than 90% of greenhouse gas heat.
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According to researchers, the previously unidentified species is an extremely rare discovery.
·Finland
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Scientists have reported the discovery of a new species of octopus in the Galápagos Islands, and it's sure to attract attention. The creature, which has blue flesh and large eyes, can easily fit in the palm of your hand.
An international research team could see a blue mini octopus in the deep sea off Galápagos, which was previously unknown.
·Berlin, Germany
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Total News Sources146
Leaning Left19Leaning Right13Center62Last UpdatedBias Distribution66% Center
Bias Distribution
- 66% of the sources are Center
66% Center
L 20%
C 66%
14%
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