Casper (octopus species)

Informally named species of octopus

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The informally named ‘’’Casper’’’ octopus species were first discovered in 2016 in the Pacific Ocean, in water off Hawaii.[1] Also known as the “ghost octopus,” the animals have been spotted off the coast of Ecuador and recently in argentina as well.[2]

The two distinct Casper species are new to science but have not yet been formally given a binomial name as no specimens have yet been collected—they are only known from imagery.[1]

The species gain their informal name from their ghostly colouring and bulbous heads, reminiscent of the cartoon character Casper the Friendly Ghost.[3] Scientists think their white colouring may result from a lack of pigment in their food.[1] Pigment cells, know as chromatophores, would serve little purpose in the dark ocean depths where the animals reside.[4]

The Casper octopuses have short arms and lack the ‘ears’ found in the deep-sea ‘’Grimpoteuthis‘’ species (nicknamed the Dumbo octopuses).[1] Casper octopuses are believed to be the deepest dwelling octupus species without fins.[3]

Based on a short video, scientists have concluded that the octopus is gelatinous and contains very few muscles. Its deep sea environment offers little prey to provide the energy needed to build muscle.[4]

Specimens have been 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][2]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ 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.
2. ^ a b "'Ghost octopus' has heartbreaking parenting strategy". www.science.org. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
3. ^ a b Davis, Margaret (10 August 2022). "Bizarre 'Ghost Octopus' Baffled Scientists: What Is This Ghostlike Cephalopod?". Science Times. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
4. ^ a b "Watch an Amazing 'Ghost Octopus' Discovered in the Deep Sea". National Geographic. 4 March 2016. Retrieved 7 July 2025.

## External links

[edit]

* "'Ghost octopus' has heartbreaking parenting strategy".

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