Happy World Octopus Day!
This cephalopod cutie, Opisthoteuthis sp., is a cirrate octopus. A small pair of fins on their mantle and webbed arms allow them to either drift or pulse like a jellyfish just above the seafloor. Scientists believe the finger-like cirri lining each arm are used to detect and capture small prey such as crustaceans, polychaetes, and mollusks living in the mud.
Many cephalopods die shortly after they spawn, but Opisthoteuthis is able to continuously spawn throughout their lifetime. Their eggs require up to three years to develop and hatch. Given the length of time for egg development, we believe these species may be relatively long-lived, but little is known about their natural history. Learn more about this charismatic cephalopod on our website.
