Casper (octopus species)

The informally named Casper octopus species were first discovered in 2016 in the Pacific Ocean, in water off Hawaii.^[1] The two distinct Casper species are new to science but have not yet been formally named with a binomial name as no specimens have yet been collected - they are only known from imagery.^[1]

The species gains their informal name from the ghostly white colouring, reminiscent of that of the cartoon character Casper the Friendly Ghost, which scientists think may be a result of lack of pigment in their food.^[1] They have short arms, and lack the 'ears' found in the deep-sea Grimpoteuthis species (nicknamed the Dumbo octopuses).^[1]

Specimens were observed on footage obtained at depths of 4,290 metres (2.6 miles). It is thought that the females lay their eggs on sea sponges.^[1]

References[edit]

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Scales, Helen (8 August 2022). "Discovered in the deep: meet Casper the ghostly octopus". The Guardian. Retrieved 8 August 2022.

External links[edit]

https://www.science.org/content/article/ghost-octopus-has-heartbreaking-parenting-strategy

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[Graun-1] Scales, Helen (8 August 2022). "Discovered in the deep: meet Casper the ghostly octopus". The Guardian. Retrieved 8 August 2022.

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