Species Spotlight · 21 Jan 2024
Grimpoteuthis, commonly called dumbo octopuses, derives its name from its resemblance to Disney's 1941 character Dumbo. The creatures feature two prominent ear-like fins which extend from the mantle above each eye.
The genus includes 17 recognised species with typical lifespans of 3 to 5 years. These organisms belong to the umbrella octopus category, characterised by webbing connecting their tentacles, which creates their distinctive rounded bell shape. Their soft, gelatinous composition enables survival under extreme deep-ocean pressure conditions.
Like many cephalopods, dumbo octopuses can employ jet propulsion by expelling water at high velocity. However, these creatures primarily navigate using their fins and arms for steering.
A notable physiological distinction involves their blood composition. While human blood appears red due to iron content, dumbo octopus blood is blue in colour because of its high copper content. This adaptation proves advantageous in frigid environments, as copper is more efficient at circulating oxygen through the body when temperatures are very low.