A British marine explorer has discovered the world’s deepest octopus!

As reported in the science journal Marine Biology, Dr Alan Jamieson of Armatus Oceanic has identified the species to be belonging to the Grimpoteuthis family, suggesting it is likely to be a new species of ‘Dumbo Octopus’.

The observations were made from nearly 7,000 metres (3.6 to 4.3 miles deep) in the Indian Ocean during a recent exhibition, named ‘Five Deeps Exhibition’. It was the world’s first manned expedition to the deepest point in each of the five oceans.

Meeting new depth records

These are new depth records for the species, exceeding the current deepest reliable record of the octopus, as well as the entire class of Cephalopods, by 1,812 metres (over 1 mile deep!).

Previously, it has been difficult to know the deepest depth octopuses have been known to live. Fragments and eggs have been at very deep levels, but until now, the deepest confirmed sighting by image was a single photograph at 5,145 metres deep in the Atlantic oceans, taken 50 years ago.

This new discovery, therefore, extends the depth and the octopus’ potentially available habitat from 75% to 99% of the global seafloor.

So much yet to discover

This is a fantastic discovery and one that could not have been done without all those involved in facilitating the research expedition. It just shows that there is so much of the ocean yet to discover.

The images of the deepest octopus were captured on the expedition using the Caladan Oceanic Landers, known as Closp and Skaff, that were designed by Triton Submarines and Dr. Jamieson.