Deep-sea octopuses in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

December 2018

You've heard of an octopus's garden – but have you ever seen one? Check out the many octopuses spotted in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary by researchers on the E/V Nautilus this fall!

Transcript

What’s more exciting than one octopus?

Lots of octopuses!

On an expedition to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, researchers aboard the E/V Nautilus encountered many octopuses.

This ghostly umbrella octopus drifted past the remotely operated vehicle a t a depth of nearly 11,000 feet near Davidson Seamount.

It’s also known as a dumbo octopus, for its fins that look like large ears. This octopus is about two feet long.

In a different area of similar depth, scientists observed over a thousand Muusoctopus robustus octopuses nestled among the rocks.

It was the largest grouping of these octopuses ever recorded.

With their arms inverted, these small females are most likely in a brooding posture, protecting egg clusters.

What other mysteries are yet to be discovered in your National Marine Sanctuary System?