Dumbo octopus

The dumbo octopuses, or Grimpoteuthis, are a genus of pelagic umbrella octopuses. Due to their striking ear-like fin that protrudes from the mantle over each eye and resemblance to the main character of Disney's 1941 film Dumbo, they were given the moniker "dumbo." The genus contains 17 known species. Crustaceans, bivalves, worms, and copepods are among the prey. Grimpoteuthis species vary in life expectancy from 3 to 5 years.

With some specimens found or observed in hadal depths, dumbo octopuses are the deepest living octopuses that are currently known. A single Grimpoteuthis sp. specimen was found at a depth of 7,279 meters, but this distance from Grand Cayman is questionable. However, Grimpoteuthis was discovered in 2020, 6,957 m below the surface of the Java Trench, confirming the genus' hadal spread.

These creatures, which can be found between 2000 and 5000 meters deep, eat bivalves, copepods, crustaceans, worms, and crustaceans. The average life span of different species of Grimpoteuthis has been observed to be 3 to 5 years. Humans do not pose the same threat to these animals as do their natural predators, such as sharks.

Because these octopuses lack an ink sac, they defend themselves from predators by changing colors and becoming indistinguishable from their surroundings. They even occasionally become transparent. They can also perceive light thanks to white patches over their eyes.