Opisthoteuthis Adorabilis, a Cute Deep-Sea Encounter
This footage was recorded by E/V Nautilus during an exploration dive in June 2016.
In the beginning of the video, we can hear to one of the members of the E/V Nautilus team referring to the name Opisthoteuthis adorabilis, which is the name scientists were considering for this adorable, recently discovered octopus species in order to emphasize its cute appearance. However, scientists established the scientific name Opisthoteuthis californiana for this deep-sea species which is more commonly known as the Flapjack Octopus.
The commentator from E/V Nautilus also mentions that this individual is probably a bit bigger than 10 centimeters.
Steering Fins
As we can hear in the video, the Flapjack Octopus uses its little fins to navigate and to render their movement more gentle and smooth. Sure enough, when this little octopus finally moves, it looks like it is gliding in the water.The web between its short arms also contributes to these drifting movements, often making the octopus look like parachuting in the water.
Can it Change Color?
This is a very good question posed by one of the members of the team. The Flapjack Octopus is characterized by this yellow sandy coloration. It is a mystery if it can indeed camouflage to blend in with non-sandy bottoms. A lot is still to be learn for deep-sea species such as the Flapjack Octopus. Other species living this deep do not possess the color-changing cells known as chromatophores that octopuses use to camouflage themselves. As no light can reach these depths, camouflaging becomes an unnecessary defense technique.
