Physical Appearance
The Dumbo Octopus is a very unique creature that gets its name from looking like the famous Disney Character, Dumbo. This creature has two fins that help to convey its likeness to Dumbo the elephant.
They are usually 20cm in length. They can flush the transparent layer of their skin whenever they wish.
The males and females differ in sucker size. Males also usually have 2 longer tentacles that are thought to be used for mating.
Habitat
These uniquely cute creatures live from 400 to 4,800 meters below sea level. Some have even been spotted 7,000 meters below sea level.
They live in all 7 oceans of the world. They live in the pelagic zone which is the open sea. This zone is an invisible water column that goes from the surface of the sea almost to the bottom.
Interesting Facts about Dumbo Octopus
Dumbo octopuses appear to live on the floor (or just above it) of every ocean in the world.
These deep-sea creatures have a very quick way of eating their food. Instead of breaking it up as other octopuses do, the Dumbo Octopus will swallow its prey whole.
They usually feast on crustaceans, pelagic copepods, and other deep-sea dwellers that are small enough for it to eat. There are 37 known species of the Dumbo Octopus.
They usually hover just above the ocean floor or live as bottom dwellers. The largest ever recorded was 6 feet long and weighed 13 pounds.
Here are 10 quick Facts about Dumbo Octopus:
• Dumbo Octopuses can get pregnant while being pregnant. Multiple eggs at various developmental stages have been found in dissected females, meaning they presumably lay eggs all year long instead of having a breeding season.
• Length of the hatching period is unknown because of the sheer depth these creatures are born at.
• Female Dumbo Octopuses do not take raise their youngsters- they lay late stage eggs underneath rocks and shells and leave them to fend for themselves.
• Newly born Dumbo Octopuses are large in size, well developed and able to survive on their own.
• Dumbo octopus swallow their prey whole. For that reason, the size of the prey never exceeds 1-2 mm.
• They generally eat several types of bivalve, crustaceans on the bottom of the sea and also the copepods.
• Killer whales and the sharks are the major predators of them.
• Their Arms and flippers are used for swimming. The arms are also equipped with small harpoon-like barbs designed to hold their prey.
• They generally eat several types of bivalve, crustaceans on the bottom of the sea and also the copepods.
• They can live up to three to five years.
