If anyone's feeling sad today, here's a newly discovered species of octopus. Found in the waters off the Galapagos Islands, this little critter can fit in the palm of your hand.
The new species, named Microeledone galapagensis, has a blue hue, which is believed to be the rarest color in nature.
The new species, named Microeledone galapagensis, stands out for reasons other than its blue hue, which is believed to be the rarest color in nature. The octopus appears to be the runt of the Megaleledonidae family, whose members are normally much larger and live in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica. "Its stubby little arms with only one row of suckers set it apart from most octopus we are familiar with," Voight said. Even among "other species with short little arms and a single sucker row, its coloration and smooth skin on the back surface separate it," she added. While the octopus is light blue on its back, underneath it is a "very deep purple," Voight said. "We think this color pattern helps keep it safe. If the octopus grabs a prey item that emits light, that light may attract predators that might then eat the octopus," she explained. "So the octopus puts its dark-colored web over the prey item, keeping itself safe."
