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Deep in the ocean, where no human dare to go, lives a funny looking animal with qualities so very uncommon to the animal kingdom we are used to. What kind of weird looking animal looks like a Pokemon? 

The Dumbo Octopus. Scientifically named, Grimpoteuthis.   

What makes the Dumbo Octopus different? 

First of all, this octopus swims with it ear-like fins. Fins that look like ears? That’s unusual.  They flap their ear-like fins to move forward and they steer with their arms to help them move into a specific direction.

How do they reproduce?

Because these little octopuses are so terribly scarce, it makes it fairly difficult for them to find a mate to reproduce, that’s where a female’s special ability comes in handy! A female can store her eggs safely until it is ready to be fertilized or until she finds a mate to fertilize the eggs. This octopus do not invest any time in their young.  Unlike all other octopuses these little animals do not care for their young.  Once the eggs are fertilized the eggs are left to hatch and the little babies need to fend for themselves.

Predators

Sharing a home with large predators, their primary predators are marine mammals, such as sharks, tunas and dolphins. 

What do these little octopuses eat?

They eat pelagic invertebrates swimming above the sea floor. Unlike other octopuses , Dumbo’s eat their prey whole. They first jump on their prey to kill them and then swallow them whole. 

Are humans a threat to these animals?

By living in such tremendous depths, humans aren’t a threat to this amazing species.  

Here is a video on this creature if you want to learn more! 

  

                           

If you want to learn more, please feel free to investigate on the following links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grimpoteuthis

http://ocean.si.edu/ocean-photos/grimpoteuthis-dumbo-octopus

http://marinebio.org/species.asp?id=558

I hoped you enjoyed learning a little bit about this wonderful little creature!