Today we are going to talk about a mollusk that lives between 2000 and 5000 meters deep. Its about dumbo octopus. Although not much is known about this species, it is quite well known by people with its resemblance to dumbo. It looks so pale because sunlight does not reach the depths it inhabits. It has unique characteristics within its family and is known for being an octopus with a special appearance.
We are going to dedicate this article to the dumbo octopus in order to unravel its secrets so far known.
Key features
His way of propelling himself is, perhaps, the most special unique characteristic that he has within his family. The way it propels itself can make it stand out from the crowd with ease. In its natural habitat we can also find many mysteries that are still unknown since the sunlight does not reach there.
This animal is still unknown to humans. However, we are going to reveal to you everything that is known so far. The physique of this fish is quite curious. All other octopuses have long tentacles and help each other by propelling the water. This animal has several fins on the sides of its head that it uses to swim. This is not common in better known octopuses. The fins are rounded and they are able to move in a way that reminds us of Dumbo. It is as if he had two huge ears like this Disney elephant that was able to fly thanks to its big ears.
This octopus is not the only species that exists with these characteristics. They make up a whole genus that has about 13 different species so far known. All of these species feature webbed tentacles and fins on their heads, so the unique feature remains. These species swallow their prey whole instead of pecking and breaking them up like other octopuses do.
They live in the depths of the ocean and, since it is not a very accessible place, not much is known about them. It is not a very accessible place because the atmospheric pressure is too great and equipment and machinery are needed to support it and, furthermore, there is no light. The average size of the species is not well known and it has only recently been possible to observe what its young are like. It is difficult to know how they reproduce.
Description
It has been observed after some investigations that they are white with a very pale tone. This is because the lack of light in the habitat does not make it necessary for them to develop any type of pigment in the skin. The body has a gelatinous texture as it needs it to be able to withstand the high levels of environmental pressure from around. If you didn't have this jelly-like skin, you probably couldn't survive.
The size and weight of the stocking species are not well known. The largest specimen that has been recorded weighs about 13 kilos and was almost two meters long. This does not mean that all copies are like this. What you have to keep in mind is that there are species whose individuals are in the middle range, but there are always some that exceed that average. It is estimated that the average is usually about 30 cm long, although its weight is not well known.
Behavior of the dumbo octopus
Since its characteristics are weak because it is difficult to know about it, imagine its behavior. It is quite strange given that in the depths it is difficult to detect it. The only thing that is known is that they live in large deep areas and that they are propelled from their ear-like flippers on the head. The main foods they include in their diet are roughly known. They normally feed on crustaceans, bivalves, and some worms. While propelled, they maintain balance thanks to the movement of the fins. With the use of the tentacles they feel the sea floor, rocks or corals. This is how they look for their prey. Once they detect it, they land on top of them and gobble them whole.
As not much can be known about them, it seems that there is no stage in which they reproduce in a fixed way. Females generally carry some eggs at different stages of maturity. The eggs are inside. When environmental conditions They are more favorable so that there is a greater probability of success, one of them fertilizes and deposits them.
When the young finally hatch from the egg, they are born fully developed and can fend for themselves. In these hostile environments they cannot waste time having to develop little by little and learn from their mother. They must fend for themselves from the beginning.
Habitat
This species has been found at depths that range from 2000 meters to 5000 meters. It is not known if they still remain lower down. Of course, it is a hostile habitat where sunlight does not reach and there is great atmospheric pressure to withstand.
As it is not completely known about it, it is believed that this species can live throughout the entire planet. It has been found in different places where they are the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of North America, in the Philippine Islands, in the Azores Islands, New Zealand, Australia, New Guinea, etc.. Therefore, it is thought that the dumbo octopus does not have a preference for some type of ocean or another.
Conservation of dumbo octopus
The human being cannot act in the great depths in which this animal is found. Therefore, it cannot directly threaten their survival. However, it is more threatened by the effects of climate change and the rise in temperature of the oceans. Water pollution is also a problem, since the waste can descend into its habitat.
To survive, you need the octocorals to be in good health for the females to lay their eggs. These corals are also affected by climate change.
I hope this information helps you to know more about the dumbo octopus and its curiosities.