A marine researcher in the United States has recently discovered a new species of octopus that is pink in color and has large, round eyes that look quite adorable. This creature lives in deep waters, is relatively gentle, and measures only about the size of a hand.
Most of us have seen or are familiar with octopuses that have a slimy, grayish appearance, which is not particularly “aesthetic.” Even in cartoons, they are often portrayed as old and saggy.
Moreover, those who suffer from a psychological fear of “tentacles full of holes and twists” are even less brave to observe them, let alone touch them.
However, at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute in California, a tiny octopus with an extremely cute pink “interface” has been discovered.
The newly found octopus species is located in Monterey Bay on the Pacific Ocean, in the state of California, western United States. It was discovered by marine researcher Stephanie Bush, who is affiliated with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute.
Scientists plan to name the new octopus species Opisthotheusis Adorabilis – (Screenshot from Daily Mail)
The Adorabilis octopus has quickly created its own wave and garnered many fans due to its large brown eyes and tiny, short “legs” along with its cute pink skin.
The octopus measures about 18 cm in width and lives at a depth of 450 meters, with webbing between its tentacles that helps it swim in the water, and two small fins on its head that look very amusing.
Ms. Bush has the privilege of naming the creature she discovered. It will be classified under the genus Opisthotheusis and officially named Adorabilis, inspired by the word “adorable” in English, which means lovable.
The discoverer of the new octopus species, Ms. Stephanie Bush, next to her artificial aquarium – (Screenshot from Daily Mail)
Marine scientists have discovered and captured several specimens in Monterey Bay. They are currently raising and caring for them in an artificial aquarium. These tanks can recreate an environment similar to the deep-sea habitat at a depth of 450 meters with very cold water temperatures.
The Adorabilis octopus lives in cold, deep waters. They spend most of their time on the seafloor, sitting on the sediment. Dr. Bush shared that they move around to search for food and mates.
Despite its cute pink color, this hue is also common among deep-sea creatures because red light cannot penetrate the dark waters at the ocean floor. This camouflage helps them avoid predator attacks.
The Adorabilis octopus has a small and extremely cute “interface.”
One of the octopuses has adapted to the aquarium conditions and is currently brooding eggs. Scientists say that the eggs of the Opisthotheusis Adorabilis species may take 3 years to hatch. To welcome the new batch of baby octopuses, they may have to care for them and wait that long.
Adorabilis is the smallest octopus species in the world, with a diameter of about 18 cm. They move using their body’s fins like little umbrellas flying underwater. Besides their modest size, the Adorabilis octopus also possesses a gentle nature and the ability to bioluminesce.
Any fan captivated by the adorable appearance of Adorabilis who wishes to see their “idol” will have to dive in the Pacific Ocean at depths between 200 and 600 meters, where the water temperature is only 6 degrees Celsius.
