New species of octopus resembles famous cartoon character
Digital Reporter
Sunday, March 6, 2016, 2:58 PM - While exploring the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean floor near Hawaii, an underwater research craft discovered what scientists say may be a new species of octopus.
The creature dubbed "Casper the Friendly Ghost" by those on social media, was caught on camera by the ROV from the Okeanos Explorer at a depth of about 4,290 metres, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports.
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Scientists say it is the deepest point where an octopus belonging to the incirrate octopod, one of two main groupings of octopods, has ever been seen.
"A distinctive characteristic was that the suckers were in one, rather than two, series on each arm," said Michael Vecchione, research zoologist with NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service in a press release. "This animal was particularly unusual because it lacked the pigment cells, called chromatophores, typical of most cephalopods, and it did not seem very muscular."
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Cephalopods are characterized by bilateral body symmetry and a prominent head. They are also in the same biological class as octopuses, squid and cuttlefish.
Researchers say a discovery like this emphasizes how little is known about the deep sea.
The discovery came during the first operational dive of the ship Okeanos Explorer's 2016 season.
SOURCE: NOAA
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