Apart from their gigantic ears, dumbo octopuses are also recognized for having bell-shaped heads and big eyes. When they meet a male, she stores the sperms from the male and uses it to fertilize her most developed eggs when the environmental conditions are apt. Instead, they evade predators with speed. Dumbo Octopuses are well adapted for living in some of the deepest waters of the world’s oceans. They simply cannot produce ink. Hence, it has to swallow its food whole. This is especially handy while escaping predators like sharks. Dumbo octopuses are semelparous animals like all other octopuses, i.e. These baby octopuses when living in the plankton cloud are vulnerable to attack from the plankton eaters, and hence this stage is considered to be dangerous for them. In the case of the Dumbo Octopus, this webbing stretches beyond the halfway point. They flap their fins (the ear like structure found on either side of their head) for propulsion while the tentacles act as a rudder to control the direction of swimming. Although still quite malleable, they are not as “squishy” nor as capable of sneaking into the tightest of spaces as their incirrina cousins are. Don’t expect to find a Dumbo Octopus when you are snorkeling at your favorite beach resort. Distinction: Phylum Mollusca (Shellfishes), Training Class Cephalopoda (Squids and also Octopuses), Purchase Octopoda (Octopus), Family Opisthoteuthidae (Umbrella Octopus). A dumbo octopus has a U-shaped shell inside its mantle. Some scientists claim that each Dumbo octopus has different temperament towards different objects. When you look at the arms of a Dumbo Octopus you will notice that they have webbing connecting their arms. Interesting Dumbo octopus Facts: Most species of dumbo octopi are small in size, usually with 8 inches in length. This means that if you are lucky enough to get this creature that lives at 10,000ft under the ocean alive, you can keep them. What Dumbo Octopuses do have, however, are cilia on their suckers. Unlike the other species which prefer to breed when the environmental conditions are favorable, the Dumbo octopuses can breed anytime regardless of the environmental conditions. A Dumbo octopus is a marine animal of the genus Grimpoteuthis, which is a genus of Umbrella octopus. They stay secrets of the deep. They measure between 8 to 12 inches but have been known to extend to 6 feet or upwards. Once this gland was removed, the octopuses were found to abandon their eggs and go foraging. Dumbo octopus is a specific type of octopus that got the name after the famous character of Disney Dumbo, an elephant. The food chain of the Dumbo octopuses isn’t as large as one would expect. What Are the Differences Between Octopus and Squid. Considering the depths at which they live in they aren’t vulnerable to a direct threat from humans. There is no known specific breeding season. They are not much known and can be seen rarely as they live in the deep depth of the sea. They can smell through their tentacles. When plants and animals are scientifically classified, the genus is the classification segment that comes before the species. By doing some simple math you see how impossible it is for humans to take a look at a Dumbo Octopus on its home turf first-hand. Today we are taking a peek at the dumbo octopus genus. Among the few recorded catches, the largest of them weighed 5.9kg and was a whopping 1.8 meters’ in length. While this pattern of behavior has yet to be studied in depth, it appears that the females prefer this sort of environment when caring for their soon to be hatchlings. Known to inhabit the oceans at a depth of 9800 to 13000 feet (where there is no sunlight! The reason they can go so deep in the ocean is due to their soft/jelly bodies which can change shape. Class – Cephalopoda There are only a few Dumbo octopuses living in aquariums, and most of them are in marine laboratories! This can passively lure in prey. By the time the eggs hatch the female at most cases might have died, and her body wastes away. Unmanned deep-ocean observation platforms have captured footage of hundreds of females perched on vents on the seafloor. Dumbo octopuses vary in shape, size, and color, which can include pink, red, brown, and … Jerome Wodinsky claims that the optic gland acts as a self-destruct switch that gets activated when the female lays eggs. Dumbo Octopuses have been observed hunting near thermal vents, where there are comparatively more animals to prey upon. In the case of Female Dumbo octopus, they use cilia to aerate their eggs. This enables them to float statically in an area of choice, which is an excellent advantage while foraging the ocean floor. In spite of their size, the eyes of a Dumbo octopus can barely be put to use in the ubiquitous darkness of the deep sea. Species which are classified as Dumbo Octopuses have been found in the northern and southern Pacific ocean as well as the Atlantic Ocean. The cirri help in forcing the food closer to the mandible. Cirri help Dumbo octopuses in navigating through the dark ocean and in searching for prey. The peculiar shape of Dumbo octopuses can be attributed to the highly pressurized deep ocean environment. Not much is known about the habitat of the Dumbo octopus. Unlike the common octopuses, Dumbo octopuses cannot spray ink. They are connected with each other via … Like other octopuses, Dumbo octopuses can swim via jet propulsion by swallowing a large amount of water and then letting it out all at once to push the octopus forward quickly. Dumbo Octopus Prompt Facts. Dumbo octopuses have a short lifespan of 3 to 5 years. Owing to the great depth, they live in finding a Dumbo octopus happens once in a blue moon. 10 Dumbo Octopus Facts & Adaptations! All octopuses share this physical attribute although it is not always so easily detectable. This explains why octopuses, in general, prefer to walk on the ocean floor or slowly glide around in the water. they reproduce only once in their lifetime. The largest specimen recovered measured just shy of six feet in length and was estimated to weigh 13 pounds. They are beautiful creatures. Thanks to deep-water observation submarines, marine biologists have been able to observe Dumbo Octopuses in their native depth. There are approximately 17-18 known species of Dumbo octopuses. The feature that gives Dumbo Octopuses their classic look is composed of two fins located on the sides of their heads. A Dumbo Octopus is a strange aquatic animal. For now, we carry on with 13 as the number of known Dumbo Octopus species. This is an odd looking animal that may found in almost all the oceans of the world. While other species of octopus can impress you with their camouflaging capability — literally disappearing into their background — the Dumbo Octopus’ ability in this regard is more modest. At first glance, they can appear to be hair-like filaments. Highly trained and skilled technical divers with specialized equipment cannot go beyond 350 feet. However, the fins of a Dumbo octopus are long and substantial and may look quite peculiar to people who are not familiar with this rare sea creature. The dumbo octopus is among the prettiest sea animals however likewise among the rarest, which is why very little is understood about them. For this reason and probably due to the unusual fins that protrude from the top of their mantle, dumbo octopuses are also called a jelly head, or winged octopuses. Aside from their ears, Dumbo octopuses are also known for having bell-shaped heads and large eyes. This means that sizes will vary. Considering the great depths, they live in sharks & killer whales are their only predators. Therefore the lack of ink production doesn’t hit them as hard. In part, this is what makes it difficult for marine biologists to properly study these cute cephalopods. In this video we have a look at 5 amazing facts about the dumbo octopus. Octopus Hunts Virtual Crabs – Octopus TV Room – Episode 1, Octopus VS Unsolvable Puzzle – Behavior Observation Experiment, Octopus Faced With an Infinity Mirror – VIEWER REQUEST, Octopus Reacts to Basketball – Episode 11, Octopus Reacts – Halloween Special – Episode 10, Octopus Escapes – Storage Drawer – Episode 4, Octopus Reacts to Construction Hat – Episode 8, Octopus Den Size Selection – VIEWER REQUEST, Octopus Intelligence Experiment Takes an Unexpected Turn, Octopus Gets Angry at His Own Reflection in the Mirror, Octopus Vision — How They See What They See. Dumbo octopuses reproduce sexually similar to other members of the octopus’s family. There are nearly 37 several types of spices of this. The international union for conservation of nature has placed them in the least concern list. November 8, 2020 November 6, 2020 by Dwayne Davies. Some people describe it as an umbrella-look. Setting apart Features: This types dives utilizing its ear-like fins, while its arms are actually made use of to control … Dumbo octopuses have a U-shaped shell inside their mantle, unlike other octopuses. Dumbo Octopus - Cartoon Character of the Deep . These young Dumbo octopuses spend most of their time in clouds of planktons feeding on the larvae of crabs & starfish. Although the Dumbo octopus is a carnivore, its mouth is different from other octopuses. The eggs of Dumbo octopuses are comparatively larger and have a casing, which hardens in water. These octopuses inhabit the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, having been found in places like New Zealand, Australia, California, and Papua New Guinea. While the majority of other octopus females are solitary creatures — especially when brooding — evidence points to the contrary with the Dumbo Octopus. Habitat – Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Unlike the common octopus with ink sacks that help them change colors, the Dumbo octopuses do not have them. The diet of the dumbo octopus mainly consists of polychaete worms, pelagic copepods, isopods, amphipods, and other crustaceans which are commonly seen on the ocean floor. The brachial heart pumps the deoxygenated blood through the gills and back to the systemic heart. Though they prefer colder environments while brooding, they are found to perch on vents on the ocean floors. They can sometimes drop lower. When they mate, the males transports sperm into their detachable arm and transfers it to the female. Some might say like those of a fictional flying elephant. They can be rarely seen because they are living on the bottom of the sea on a depth ranging from 1 300 to 23 000 feet. Those being the cirrina and incirrina octopuses. Since dumbo octopuses are naturally buoyant, that means that they can literally float statically over an area of their choosing. I've been working with the National Wildlife Federation for the past five years. Primarily when they brood, they are found to be together in a group, and there are observational pieces of evidence to support this claim too. This is accomplished by using the cilia to aerate the water around itself. They have definitely earned the right to be called cute. All cephalopods, especially dumbo octopuses are found to have a wavy brainwave which is associated with REM sleep. Food is generally scarce and comprises whatever is found on the ocean bed or is floating in the current. What is unique to Dumbo Octopus females is observational evidence of them brooding in groups. In some Dumbo Octopus species, it goes beyond three-quarters the length of its arms. They will feed on any amphipod, copepod, … May 12, 2016 - 10 Dumbo Octopus Facts & Adaptations! However, their most preferred mode of movement is flying through water by flapping their ear-like fins. Cilias are hair-like strands that protrude out from the suckers of a Dumbo octopus. Here are the 51 exciting and unique facts on Dumbo Octopus: The fascinating characteristic of a Dumbo octopus is the history behind its name. David Shale. The males and females of the Dumbo octopus are quite different in appearance and size. Dumbo octopuses are found to survive in aquariums in a laboratory. Masters of disguise, astonishingly clever, and adorable in their own right, octopus are amazing. they live in the pelagic oceanic zone. The feature that gives dumbo octopuses their classic look is composed of two fins located on the sides of their heads. This color can vary from white, pink, red or brown. However, they remain one of the fascinating deep-sea creatures and are unique for many reasons, right from their legendary names to their survival tactics. If you haven’t seen this flick yet, Dumbo is a young circus elephant who is born with rather large ears. (In comparison, the diameter of adult human eyes extends only to about 1/7 the breadth of their skull!). Family – Opisthoteuthidae Dumbo octopuses swallow their food whole, while most other octopuses do not. 5 amazing facts about the dumbo octopus. It is interesting to note that the Dumbo octopuses’ eggs aren’t seen in great depths. … Dec 19, 2016 - Dumbo Octopus at Sea David Shale A Dumbo Octopus is a strange aquatic animal. Dumbo octopuses live at extreme depths in oceans around the world—up to 13,000 feet below the surface—and are the deepest-living octopuses known. These vents emit the geothermal heat through them. In fact, once these octopuses are removed from the deep oceans, the bodies and tentacles may shrink further, resulting in even larger fins and eyes. During mating, this pouch is given to the female which she keeps in her mantle cavity until all her developed eggs are fertilized. These interesting animals can be found in all oceans of the world. Similar to the other species of octopus the Dumbo octopuses have three hearts, each heart serving distinct functions. The natural predators of Dumbo octopus include killer whales, sharks, tuna and cephalopods. The shell often gives the mantle a smooth and slightly bulbous appearance. To accommodate its prey, it usually opens its beak and engulfs its prey. In some cases, the female Dumbo octopuses are seen to kill and eat the males after a successful mate. Dumbo octopuses are members of the umbrella octopus’ family Opisthoteuthidae, which are known for swimming with an umbrella-like look to their mantle. The largest Dumbo octopus ever recorded was 5 feet 10 inches (1.8 m) long and weighed 13 pounds (5.9 kg), but most species are an average size of 7.9 to 12 inches (20-30 cm) long. Dumbo octopuses have a circular system comprised of arteries, veins, and capillaries which is unique for an invertebrate. He figured out that there is an optic gland situated inside the head of an octopus resembling the pituitary gland in humans. ), Dumbo octopuses are the deepest living known octopuses. This gives the head firmer support and allows for muscle attachment of the fins to the head. Living deep in the sea, often between 1000 and 5000 meters, they have less need for defense mechanisms such as ink sacs. This is substantial evidence to support the claim that dumbo octopuses sleep like other vertebrates. “Cute” is a fair and just modifier to use when describing the Dumbo Octopus. Average Size – 20 to 30 centimeters This octopus has a soft, semi-gelatinous body, which helps it adapt to its deep-water habitat. Due primarily to its habitat being so difficult to access, the species that make up the Dumbo Octopus group also happen to be the ones that we know the least about. The majority are small, ranging between eight to 12 inches in length. There simply isn’t enough light at those depths to appreciate the detail. Here are 6 amazing facts about Dumbo Octopus The name “dumbo” arises from their similarity to the title character of Disney’s 1941 film Dumbo, having a prominent ear-like fin that extends from the mantle above each eye. Remember, when talking about a Dumbo Octopus you are referring to 13 different species. It is believed that such an atmosphere is needed when the females are caring for their hatchlings. There are around 37 different species of Dumbo octopi. Dumbo Octopus: Fun Facts, Pictures & Information Dumbo Octopus at Sea David Shale A Dumbo Octopus is a strange aquatic animal. Genus – Grimpoteuthis In this video clip we countdown 5 facts about the dumbo octopus. This migration behavior is believed to be an adaptation to the finding food in the greater depths they live in. Life span – 4 to 5 years The female Dumbo Octopus uses the cilia to aerate her eggs when they are brooding. The systemic heart is responsible for pumping the blood throughout their body while the brachial hearts pump blood through their gills. The cilia also assist in finding smaller prey when a Dumbo Octopus scans an area with its arms. In some cases, these webbings are found to go more than three quarters the length of their arms. The breeding style of the Dumbo Octopus species is similar to that of all other octopuses. Some biologists claim this to be an evolutionary advantage considering the fact that Dumbo octopuses are rare. Unfortunately, Dumbo’s ears cause an accident among the other elephants so, as punishment, he is made to perform dangerous stunts. Right after they lay eggs, their body slowly starts to shut down & reduces the frequency at which they eat. Dumbo octopuses are named after the adorable animated Disney character, Dumbo elephant, due to their rounded ‘ears’ sticking out of the sides of their heads. It is also considered the deepest diving octopus ever. Flying around helps these octopuses to conserve energy. Dumbo Octopus — Facts About This Amazing Species. The Dumbo octopus has strand-like structures around its suckers called cirri, instead of spines. They have four modes of active movement. Also, as deep in the ocean as most of them live, the sunlight does not penetrate. These Dumbo octopuses hover over the ocean floor and once they spot their prey they pounce on to their target eating them in whole. They also have a cellular endothelium lining their circulatory system. Indeed, the ocean depths to which the Dumbo Octopus is accustomed to is a chilly place. Because of this very deep niche, dumbo octopuses have some very interesting adaptations. 2 (“11 Breathtaking Facts About Giant Isopods | iWebStreet”) Bristle worm found in the depths of the ocean. Dumbo has huge ears. But in the case of Dumbo octopuses, they are easily detectable because these webbings are found to be almost more than half the length of their arms. One can say that Dumbo octopus moms aren’t really good mothers considering the fact that they leave the eggs as soon as it hatch. Phylum – Mollusca A dumbo octopus lives around 3 to 5 years.Some interesting, yet lesser-known facts about the dumbo octopus include:All About Grimpoteuthis, the Dumbo Octopus.Dr. Quick Peeks: The Dumbo Octopus. Order – Octopoda Usually, one arm of the male octopus has a protuberance which is used to deliver sperm into the female mantle. Common Name: Dumbo Octopus. These cilias on their suckers may look like hairs, but they aren’t. The Dumbo Octopus is one of those sea creatures, which even if you have never seen one, invokes images of cuteness. Dumbo octopuses have 8 arms that are connected by webbing. Well, the 300 species of octopuses that exist are divided into two main divisions. After all, any animal named after a beloved cartoon character is bound to be high on the cuteness scale. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, The history behind their name – Dumbo Octopus, Dumbo octopuses are also called jelly head or winged octopuses, Dumbo octopuses are known for their innovative ways of locomotion, Dumbo octopuses can swim via jet propulsion, Dumbo Octopuses are known for their ability to camouflage, Dumbo octopuses have a bell-shaped head and large eyes, Dumbo octopuses are considered to be almost blind, Dumbo octopuses have 8 tentacles like the common octopuses, Dumbo octopus has a unique strand-like structure around its suckers, Dumbo octopuses have a semi-gelatinous body, Dumbo octopuses cannot squeeze through small spaces, Dumbo octopuses do not have ink sacs like common octopuses, The unique shape a dumbo octopus enables it to survive in the highly pressurized deep ocean environment, What does a dumbo octopus eat? … Dumbo octopuses are pelagic animals, which come in different shapes and colors (red, white, brown, pink) and can change their color or flush out the transparent layer of their skin, whenever they wish to. Grimpoteuthis is a genus of pelagic umbrella octopuses known as the dumbo octopuses. The Dumbo Octopus is one of those sea creatures, which even if you have never seen one, invokes images of cuteness. Looks like we’ll have to wait until biologists discover more about Dumbo octopuses. Scientific Name: Grimpoteuthis (Genus). Dumbo Octopus: Fun Facts, Pictures & Information. The Dumbo Octopus and other cirrina octopuses have an internal cartilaginous-like internal shell. As discussed in the earlier sections, the male Dumbo octopuses have a specialized arm that’s modified into being the reproductive part of the octopus. Yes, that is how these cephalopods acquired their popular name. Jul 22, 2018 - Explore Diane Hebert's board "Dumbo Octopus. This octopus has got the name due to its large ear-like fins. The dumbo octopus, or Grimpoteuthis, is so-named for the distinct shape of its fins which closely resemble the ears of an elephant. The chances of a female finding a male to fertilize her eggs are less, so they always have eggs in them. They are also capable of doing Jet propulsion, enabling them to do crazy evasive maneuvers. They are literally as malleable as they want to be. Seeing that available food sources in the deep ocean are very limited, Dumbo Octopuses are considered opportunistic hunters. While for a Dumbo Octopus such depths are routine, for us humans they are deadly. The rarely observed, ghostly white cephalopod delights scientists remotely exploring an underwater volcano. Largest ever recorded specimen measured 6 feet in length and weight of 13 pounds. Alas, once again, due to being a cirrina octopus, the Dumbo Octopuses are unable to do that. Both males and females possess the same attribute. When the Dumbo octopus swims faster to evade predators the brachial heart stops functioning causing reduction in oxygenated blood. This is a curious bunch of deep-sea octopuses that look a bit like a certain flying elephant. Cirri help Dumbo octopuses in navigating through the dark ocean and in searching for prey. Unlike a female Dumbo octopus which dies after the eggs hatch the males die almost more quickly after a successful mate. In other words, while a Mimic Octopus might scoff at the Dumbo Octopus’ curtailed range of camouflage, it is more than sufficient considering the conditions of its habitat. With incirrina octopuses this webbing usually does not go down more than one-third of the length of the animal’s arms. Hi, I am Elise McDonald, a wildlife blogger, and author. Don’t be fooled by their name; Dumbo octopuses are one of the most intelligent species in the marine world. The purpose of this added webbing is not for aesthetic reasons. They will feed on any amphipod, copepod, and isopod they happen to come across. In this video we take a look at 5 amazing facts about the dumbo octopus. For example, for us humans, we belong to the genus homo and the species sapiens. In so doing, refreshing the water that surrounds them with water that is less depleted in oxygen. Author: Sabrina Yuquan Chen (陈玉泉) Pictures of Dumbo Octopus. The females store the sperm to use when conditions are favorable for laying eggs. 5. In  fact, very recently a Dumbo Octopus was found swimming in the Java Trench at around 23,000 ft, which set a new depth record while it was the first time an octopus of this species was ever seen beyond hadal depths! Once she becomes sexually mature and successfully mates with a male, she can lay eggs anytime she wants. Thanks to their funnel and large winged like fins they can move surprisingly fast. Being that there are 13 species of Dumbo Octopuses, there is plenty of margin for variation. To generate a steady current of water towards them to lure in the prey. It usually takes them 2-4 weeks before they are ready to sink to the bottom of the ocean. Cirri resemble bristle-like hair and each sucker usually has one pair of cirri. The life of a Dumbo octopus starts with hatching from an egg. The dumbo octopus has a diet that consists of copepods, isopods, bristle worms, and amphipods. Female Dumbo Octopuses can get pregnant while being pregnant. In that regard, the Dumbo octopus does not disappoint. Dumbo Octopus Habitat: A Deep Sea Creature. Unless you go down to the depths of 13,000ft, you can’t possibly imagine seeing them. The Dumbo Octopus is the common name for a genus of octopuses that live in the deepest parts of the ocean. The 13 component species which are recognized to be bundled under the “Dumbo Octopus” name are: If you are meticulous about details, you may have noticed that the list is comprised of 14 instead of 13 species. Diet – Shrimps, Bristle-worms, Bivalves, Snails, Pelagic copepods, Small fishes, crustaceans Incirrina octopuses are those which have no solid supporting structure within their bodies. Being buoyant makes it easier for them to swim by using their fins for propulsion. Owing to the great depths, they live in not much is known about the conditions that are suitable for egg hatching in their natural environment. It lives nearly in every ocean in the world at extreme depths of from 300 - 400 meters to up to 7000 meters. Good thing for them that they aren’t much for writing either. (This ink is especially crucial for an octopus as the expulsion of dark ink can confuse predators). In this article, we are going to discuss 51 exciting facts about the Dumbo octopus. Dumbo Octopus at Sea. Dumbo octopus is a type of octopus named after Walt Disney’s famous character Dumbo the elephant because of the ear-like fins. Shortly after breeding occurs the males die and the females die shortly after their eggs have hatched. These vents occur naturally and release geothermal heat from the earth’s crust. It lives nearly in every ocean in the world at extreme depths of from 300 - 400 meters to up to 7000 meters. 5 amazing facts about the dumbo octopus. It lives nearly in every ocean in the world at extreme depths of from 300 - 400 meters to up to 7000 meters. Common name – Dumbo octopus, Umbrella Octopus It is extremely noticeable. It lives at least 13,100 feet (4,000 m) below the surface. After he is bullied by a group of kids, his mom is sent into a rage which gets her locked up. I have been fascinated by our natural world and am here to share that wonder with you. Naturally, its nickname is a reference to the classic Disney animated movie, Dumbo. The Dumbo Octopuses belong to the cirrina side of the family. Some interesting, yet lesser-known facts about the dumbo octopus include: The dumbo octopus, like other deep-sea octopuses, cannot produce ink. The diet of the dumbo octopus comprises marine creatures like shrimps, Bristle-worms, Bivalves, Snails, Pelagic copepods, Small fishes, and other crustaceans. The systemic heart pumps the oxygenated blood through the aorta, and capillary system and the deoxygenated blood flows to the gills through vena cavae. If you are a sailor and hope to see them in any of these oceans, sorry folks you’ll be disappointed. If your interest in octopuses is at the novice stage, chances are that your image of an octopus is confined to that of the incirrina octopuses. Cilia also acts as a finely tuned antenna that helps the Dumbo octopus to scan the ocean floor for potential preys. More importantly, they demonstrate how diverse the octopus world truly is and how much more study is needed. This webbing in a Dumbo octopus resembles a blanket like visual effect earning it the name umbrella octopus. It has been found that there are seventeen different species of Umbrella Dumbo octopi, referred to as "umbrella octopuses" because once they … Unlike the common octopuses, Dumbo octopus does not have a tongue covered in hard tooth and hence cannot land a bite. WHAT?! The average depth of most dumbo octopus species is 13,100 feet (~4,000 m), though some have been found as deep 23,000 feet (~7,000 m)! Okay, maybe “fuzzy arms” is a bit of misnomer. Dumbo Octopus facts. This means that dumbo octopuses are more prone to be in movement through the open water than their shallow-water cousins. After all, any animal named after a beloved cartoon character is bound to be high on the cuteness scale. But that is not the case. Since sunlight doesn’t reach the deep ocean layers, it is believed that Dumbo octopuses can recognize only bioluminescent flashes. Dumbo is a cartoon character in a 1941 Walt Disney movie of the same name. Dumbo octopus refers to one of the 13, 14, 17 or 18 species – scientists haven’t agreed yet on how many species have …