Watch: Rare 'Dumbo' octopus seen during a deep-sea expedition

Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY
·1 min read
116

Scientists exploring the deep waters near the Hawaiian Islands spotted a rare "Dumbo" octopus about a mile below the surface of the Pacific Ocean.

The octopus was seen on an unnamed seamount in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument just northwest of Hawaii. Video was captured by the Ocean Exploration Trust and NOAA.

According to the Ocean Exploration Trust, their scientists are "gathering data urgently needed to address local management and science needs" of the PMNM, including a better understanding of the deep-sea natural resources and biogeographic patterns of species distribution of the area.

Dumbo octopuses live at extreme depths, according to National Geographic, and are the deepest-living octopuses known. They can live in depths up to 13,000 feet below the ocean's surface.

Deep-sea surprise: Watch Taiwanese divers encounter rare giant oarfish

They are called "Dumbo" octopuses because of the two large fins on their mantle that protrude like ears, bearing a resemblance to the Disney character of the same name.

Their diet consists of snails, worms and other creatures that live near the ocean floor.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Dumbo' octopus: Video shows creature in Pacific Ocean near Hawaii