Dumbo octopuses (Grimpoteuthis spp., also known as “umbrella octopuses”) are known as one of the deepest living species of octopus in the ocean, inhabiting depths of up to 13,000 feet below the surface! You’ll notice this particular species (identified as “Cirroteuthis” by cephalopod expert Janet Voight from the @Negaunee Integrative Research Center), does not use jet propulsion like its cousins. Rather, it flies only by the power of its two headbound fins. Though the IUCN red list certifies thi

Dumbo octopus are famous for their striking resemblance to the beloved flying elephant. These creatures have large fins (not ears) on their mantle, which they use to gracefully “flap” through the water. Unlike many other types of octopus, Dumbo do not move by expelling water forcefully from a siphon - a process called (seriously) “jet propulsion.” They are also known to exhibit a fascinating behavior seen here: expanding their eight webbed arms like an open umbrella before swiftly contracting th

“The dozen or so species that make up Grimpoteuthis are called Dumbo octopuses because of the two large fins—one on either side of the mantle—that protrude like ears,” says @natgeo. This clip from ROV SuBastian shows a great example of how Dumbo Octopuses use the flapping their strong fins to propel themselves through the water, as opposed to the jet propulsion (expelling water forcefully from their siphons) as other octopuses do. Another noticeable difference is that the Dumbo octopus doesn’t h

2.9K views · 16 reactions | The #dumbo octopuses, scientifically classified under the genus Grimpoteuthis, are pelagic cirrate octopods. They earned their whimsical name "dumbo" due to their striking resemblance to Disney's iconic character Dumbo, thanks to prominent ear-like fins extending above each eye. This genus encompasses 17 recognized species. | WPLG Local 10 | Facebook