SCIENCE | This species is named the dumbo octopus because it resembles a well-known Disney character. There are around 17 distinct species of dumbo octopus coming from cephalopods and the umbrella octopus family, also known as Opisthoteuthidae. Their arms are linked by a web of skin that, when stretched out, resembles umbrellas.
This is one of the deepest-dwelling octopus species, capable of living at depths of up to 13,000 feet. They have abandoned propulsion and mantle fins to adapt to the harsh pressure and low temperatures of the deep ocean. Because predators are scarce in deep water, the dumbo octopus lacks an ink sac. They can reach a length of 12 inches, but the record is 6 feet and 32 inches.
This octopus has many modes of movement that may be utilized together or independently. They may move with elegance and ease by flapping their dumbo fins or by stretching and compressing the webbing between their arms by sending water through their funnel, generating a rapid push. This is very important while fleeing from a predator. Diving fish, marine mammals, tuna, sharks, and dolphins are among their predators. The dumbo octopus consumes its prey whole, which includes copepods, isopods, bristle worms, and amphipods.
The dumbo octopus may be found throughout the world in tropical and temperate latitudes, from New Zealand and Australia to Monterey Bay, California, and Oregon. The IUCN Red List has not assessed the dumbo octopus, and conservation efforts appear to be unknown.
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Sources:
https://www.aquariumofpacific.org/onlinelearningcenter/species/dumbo_octopus
