Cutest Cryptid Ever! Meet the New Octopus

Normally cryptozoology describes big, fierce, and intimidating monsters. Not this time! Science is struggling to come up with a name for this very cute little octopus – another wonder from the deep dark ocean that was recently found! Have a look!

Scientist Stephanie Bush of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) has been studying this very cute and elusive little octopus. She was so struck by its sweetness that she’s tempted to name it Opistoteuthis adorabilis. So far she has established that it belongs to the Opistoteuthis family of octopi, but is still categorizing it further.

In the 1990s other scientists found samples of this animal but didn’t find a live specimen until recently. Because this is such a deep sea creature, the requirements to sustain its life are tricky.

That’s where the aquarium part of this organization comes in. They’ve created a wonderful environment for this little cutie that mimics conditions far below the ocean’s surface. It seems to be thriving, so much so, that it thought the environment safe enough to lay some eggs!

Scientists have gathered the eggs for safe-keeping and anticipate the day when they eventually hatch. Until then, Stephanie has her hands full studying the live specimen.

Check out the video from MBARI, a little over five minutes long:

 


 

References

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2015/06/17/the-cutest-octopus-ever-may-end-up-with-the-name-adorabilis/?wpisrc=nl_science&wpmm=1

 

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