New Species of Flapjack Octopus Discovered in Deep-Sea Canyon off Australia.

A newly identified species of flapjack octopus, distinguished by its large eyes and vivid blood-red tentacles, has been discovered in the deep-sea canyons off the coast of Western Australia. Named Opisthoteuthis carnarvonensis, or the Carnarvon flapjack octopus, the species takes its name from the Carnarvon Canyon Marine Park where it was found.

This remarkable discovery is one of several new species described from specimens collected during a 2022 expedition aboard the RV Investigator, a research vessel operated by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency. The month-long voyage aimed to explore the little-known seabed habitats of the Gascoyne and Carnarvon Canyon Marine Parks, marking the first comprehensive scientific survey of these marine regions.

Using advanced technology including deep-sea cameras, nets, and sleds, the research team gathered thousands of samples and images from depths exceeding 1,000 meters. Many of these specimens appeared to represent previously unknown species.

Since the expedition, scientists and taxonomists from institutions such as the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and CSIRO’s Australian National Fish Collection have been working diligently to identify and formally describe the collected species. One of those experts, Dr. Tristan Verhoeff, a volunteer Systematic Taxonomist at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, officially described the new octopus in the Australian Journal of Taxonomy.

The Carnarvon flapjack octopus belongs to a group known as cirrate or “dumbo” octopuses, characterized by their gelatinous bodies and distinctive fins resembling ears. Roughly 50 species of dumbo octopus are known globally, with about 15 found in Australian waters.

Growing to about 4 centimeters in diameter, this small octopus is adapted to deep-sea life. It can flatten its body like a pancake or fold upward like a tiny, gelatinous umbrella. Its oversized eyes are well-suited to the low-light conditions of the deep ocean, aiding in spotting small prey such as worms and crustaceans.

The specimens used to describe Opisthoteuthis carnarvonensis were collected from depths ranging between 1,044 and 1,510 meters. Unlike many shallow-water octopuses, dumbo octopuses like this one do not produce ink or change color, and they have a slow rate of growth and reproduction, making them vulnerable and relatively rare.

Dr. Verhoeff emphasized the significance of the discovery, stating that many new species have remained unnoticed in museum collections for decades. He noted the importance of accurately describing these species, which contributes to understanding their ecological roles and informs conservation efforts.

Dr. Lisa Kirkendale of the Western Australian Museum highlighted that discoveries like this underscore how little is still known about deep-sea ecosystems in the region. She stressed the importance of supporting taxonomists in documenting marine biodiversity.

Dr. Venetia Joscelyne, from the CSIRO Marine National Facility, explained that the 2022 voyage provided critical data about the seabed habitats of the Carnarvon and Gascoyne Marine Parks. Some areas explored during the mission reached depths beyond 5,000 meters.

According to Dr. Joscelyne, findings from the voyage have already led to the description of numerous new species, including the Carnarvon flapjack octopus, a painted hornshark, and a parallel-spine scorpionfish. Scientists estimate that more than 1,000 unidentified species may still be waiting to be described from samples collected on RV Investigator voyages over the last decade.

These discoveries play a crucial role in enhancing the understanding and conservation of Australia’s marine parks, ensuring the protection of their natural biodiversity for future generations.

Source:https://phys.org/news/2025-05-species-octopus-deep-sea-canyon.html

This is non-financial/medical advice and made using AI so could be wrong.