Sea Creature Spotlight: Dumbo Octopus

Sea Creature Spotlight: Dumbo Octopus

This Sea Creature Spotlight is about the dumbo octopus. I like dumbo octopi (Did you know the correct plural of "octopus" is actually octopi?) because they are very small and interesting.

Fun Facts 

• There are at least fifteen types of dumbo octopi.
• They get their names from their large fins, which sort of resemble elephant ears and with Dumbo being the most famous elephant of all, they share his name. 
• You can find dumbo octopi living on the ocean floor at the depths of 9,800 feet to 13,00 feet.
• They are foraging predators and eat invertebrates that live on the ocean floor.
• They flap their 'ears' to propel themselves through the water and use their arms to steer.                                                            

Short Stuff

Something that I think is neat or interesting about dumbo octopi is that they are only around eight inches tall. They also have webbing between their arms. The little guys and gals are just amazin in my opinion and that is why I want people to learn more about them!

Just Keep Swimming, Swimming, Swimming (Really DEEP )

Dumbo octopi often swim above the sea floor looking for snails, worms, or other food. As I mentioned earlier, they can usually be found along the ocean floor, so they live really deep down in the ocean (depths of 9,800 feet to 13,00 feet). So, as you can imagine, I haven't met one face-to-face! Just look at that little face...

the small dumbo octopus (image source)

                                                 

Big Ears = Big Disney Fan?

I think the dumbo octopus is an amazing creature and I can't help but wonder what Walt Disney would think of these little creatures?