Grimpoteuthis — the Dumbo octopus — is a small, endearing deep-sea cephalopod named for the ear-like fins that extend from its head. These animals glide through the dark in a way that looks almost playful, flapping their broad fins to rise and turn with graceful, almost buoyant ease. Unlike the more famous top predators of the deep, Dumbo octopuses lead a quieter life, letting currents carry them as they search the abyss for tiny crustaceans, worms, and snails. The group Grimpoteuthis includes many species, each adapting to the unique pressures and lights of the world’s deepest oceans. Their soft bodies and fragile structure make them a reminder of how different the underwater world is at extreme depths.
Characterized by round bodies, large ear-shaped fins, and a pair of eyes that may be small or hidden in darkness, the Dumbo octopus rarely resembles other octopods. The fins act like wings and help them swim—often by a fluttering motion that resembles a tiny underwater helicopter. They also extend and contract the webbing between their arms to aid propulsion. According to researchers, many individuals are observed at depths where light barely penetrates, and their skins can appear almost transparent. Bioluminescence has been reported by scientists studying deep-sea communities.
Habitat: Deep-water zones, reaching about 6,500 feet and around 2,000 meters, across oceans worldwide. These conditions include cold temperatures, high pressure, and perpetual darkness, yet the Dumbo octopus thrives in such environments. Deep-sea expeditions and remotely operated vehicles have captured many insights into their habits, though much remains mysterious about their daily routines.
DID YOU KNOW? The name Dumbo octopus comes from Disney’s flying elephant Dumbo, thanks to its ear-like fins that jut from the mantle. They are among the rarer cephalopods, with many species still little known by scientists. Approximately 37 described Dumbo octopus species exist, and many examples are mistaken for squid by casual divers. They swim with quick, purposeful motions, using their fins to propel and the webbing between their arms to adjust direction. Reported to be bioluminescent, some individuals can make their skin appear transparent in the deep sea to blend with faint light.