A new species of octopus has been discovered in deep-sea nurseries off the coast of Costa Rica.
Both the discovery of a new species of Muusoctopus, a genus of small and medium-sized octopuses without an ink sac, and a nursery are noteworthy, the scientists said.
This rare octopus hatchery is located 2,800m below sea level and is the third known octopus hatchery in the world.
The Dorado Outcrop Nursery, a hydrothermal vent off the coast of Puntarenas, was first discovered by scientists in 2013 when they found 100 female octopuses incubating their eggs.
At the time, the researchers said they found no developing embryos, leading them to conclude that the environment was not suitable for the baby octopus.
However, a team led by Dr Beth Okat of the Bigelow Laboratory of Marine Science in the US and Dr Jorge Cortez of the University of Costa Rica returned to the site earlier this year and made more positive observations. Discover.
The team spent 19 days on a ship at the Pacific Schmidt Oceanographic Institution and used an underwater robot to observe seamounts and baby octopuses.
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Dr Jyotika Virmani, executive director of the institute, said: “The discovery of a new active octopus nursery more than 2,800 meters below the surface in Costa Rica waters proves that our oceans still have a lot to learn.
“The deep ocean off Costa Rica stretches beyond the limits of human imagination and ROV SuBastian collected spectacular footage of tripod fish, octopus larvae and coral gardens.
“We look forward to continuing to help the world witness and study our incredible ocean wonders.”