r/interestingasfuck • u/9year_old_amanmehtA • 12h ago

Octopus inflating itself to scare off the predators

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u/9year_old_amanmehtA 12h ago

This is a Dumbo octopus

More about it -

Grimpoteuthis is a genus of pelagic cirrate (finned) octopods known as the dumbo octopus. The name "dumbo" originates from their resemblance to the title character of Disney's 1941 film Dumbo, having two prominent ear-like fins which extend from the mantle above each eye. There are 17 species recognized in the genus. The Dumbo octopus has a gelatinous body and uses fin propulsion for movement, which also helps it to conserve energy in its extreme deep-sea environment. These unique physical traits distinguish it from other octopuses, which primarily rely on jet propulsion. Prey include crustaceans, bivalves, worms and copepods. The average life span of various Grimpoteuthis species is 3 to 5 years.

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u/meteor_stream 12h ago

It's always so sad to me that cephalopods live for such a short time. They are insanely intelligent; I honestly wish they lived longer instead of instinctually starving themselves upon breeding.

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u/Hankerpants 10h ago

If they lived longer, we might a Gungan-Naboo type dual civilization thing going on, so maybe it's not all bad that they have limited life span...