Ocean Explorers Uncover Four New Deep-Sea Octopus Species in Costa Rican Waters
3 min read
The expedition located a second site of low temperature (7oC) hydrothermal venting with brooding octopus on an unnamed outcrop that was explored for the very first time on this expedition. This is only the world’s third-known deep-sea octopus nursery, and the second site found in Costa Rica.
The deep-sea waters off the coast of Costa Rica have recently become a hotbed of discovery, with a team of intrepid ocean explorers uncovering four new species of octopus in a 100-square-mile-sized area. These new discoveries, which are currently in the process of being formally described by scientists, are a significant addition to the existing 300 known species of octopus worldwide.
One of the newly discovered species, which has been formally named the dorado octopus, was found near an outcrop of rock known as El Dorado Hill. This new species belongs to the Muusoctopus family, which includes the pearl octopus. The dorado octopus was named for the location of its discovery, as it was found in the vicinity of a hydrothermal spring known for its rich biodiversity.
The discovery of the dorado octopus is particularly noteworthy because it was found in a brooding state, with the mother octopus curled up and protecting her eggs. Brooding can last several years for an octopus, making this a rare and valuable find. The researchers believe that the warm waters near the hydrothermal spring may help reduce the amount of time it takes for the eggs to hatch.
The team of scientists first discovered the octopus nursery off Costa Rica in 2013, but at the time, they did not observe any developing embryos. However, during a return visit in 2023, they were thrilled to find that the conditions had become conducive to the birth of baby octopuses. The researchers collected over 310 deep-sea specimens during their expeditions, which are being archived at the Museum of Zoology at the University of Costa Rica.
The discovery of these new octopus species is a testament to the importance of continued exploration and research in the deep-sea environment. The hydrothermal vents off Costa Rica are particularly difficult to find, as they do not leave any visible signs in the water column. However, the team’s hard work and dedication have paid off, leading to the discovery of not only new octopus species but also unique biodiversity in the area.
Dr. Beth Orcutt of the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, who led the expedition, expressed her excitement about the discovery, stating, “Through hard work, our team discovered new hydrothermal springs offshore Costa Rica and confirmed that they host nurseries of deep-sea octopus and unique biodiversity. It was less than a decade ago that low-temperature hydrothermal venting was confirmed on ancient volcanoes away from mid-ocean ridges. These sites are significantly difficult to find since you cannot detect their signatures in the water column.”
The discovery of these new octopus species also has important implications for local conservation efforts. The samples collected during the expedition will be studied by local scientists, who will be able to use the data to inform future policies to protect the local waters. Dr. Jorge Cortés of the University of Costa Rica emphasized the importance of international collaborations to advance knowledge of the deep-sea environment and its unique biodiversity.
The discovery of these new octopus species is a reminder of the importance of continued exploration and research in the deep-sea environment. With over 70% of the Earth’s surface still unexplored, there is much that remains to be discovered, and the potential for new discoveries is vast. The team’s findings off the coast of Costa Rica are a testament to the power of scientific inquiry and the importance of protecting the world’s oceans for future generations.
In conclusion, the discovery of four new deep-sea octopus species off the coast of Costa Rica is a significant addition to the existing body of knowledge about the world’s oceans. These discoveries, which are currently being formally described by scientists, are a testament to the importance of continued exploration and research in the deep-sea environment. The findings also have important implications for local conservation efforts and highlight the need for international collaborations to advance knowledge of the deep-sea environment and its unique biodiversity. The team’s hard work and dedication have paid off, leading to the discovery of not only new octopus species but also unique biodiversity in the area. The potential for new discoveries in the deep-sea environment is vast, and the importance of protecting the world’s oceans for future generations cannot be overstated.
