Rare Ghostly Dumbo Octopus spotted during deep sea exploration

Scientists spotted a rare “Dumbo” octopus over 5,500 feet deep in the waters off the Hawaiian islands.

During the Ala ‘Aumoana Kai Uli expedition, researchers set out to gather data needed to address the local management and science needs of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.

The creature, named after the Disney cartoon for the large pair of flapping fins sprouting from its head, was spotted on a camera feed aboard the ROV Atalanta as it trawled the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument northwest of Hawai’i.

The cephalopod was discovered hovering above a remotely operated vehicle owned by the Ocean Exploration Trust used on the expedition as the vehicle explored the ocean floor about 5,518 feet, or 920 fathoms, deep near the national monument.

The creature hovered directly in front of another ROV’s camera, giving researchers the perfect opportunity to capture images and video of it.

“I’m glad we got to see a live one,” researchers can be heard saying on a video feed of the Dumbo, shared last week as part of the NOAA and Ocean Exploration Cooperative expedition.

“Oh the flappy, flappy ears,” another says excitedly.