A New Species of Tiny Octopus Was Discovered in the Galápagos Islands
A new species of tiny octopus, named Microeledone galapagensis, has been discovered in the Galápagos Islands. This octopus, which is about the size of a golf ball, was first spotted in 2015 during a deep-sea expedition. Researchers used advanced imaging techniques to analyze the specimen without damaging it, highlighting the importance of ocean exploration and conservation.
- ▪The tiny blue octopus was first observed near Darwin Island in 2015.
- ▪Researchers used x-ray computed tomography to create a 3D model of the octopus for analysis.
- ▪Microeledone galapagensis is a new species that emphasizes the need for further exploration of deep-sea ecosystems.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Marta MussoScienceMay 27, 2026 5:30 AMA New Species of Tiny Octopus Was Discovered in the Galápagos IslandsAn octopus about the size of a golf ball was first spotted in 2015 near Darwin Island. A new study gives it both a formal description and a name.Courtesy Charles Darwin FoundationCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyA tiny blue octopus that lives in the deep sea off the coast of the Galápagos Islands is so small that it can fit in the palm of a hand. And as a team of researchers coordinated by Chicago's Field Museum announced in a new study just published in the journal Zootaxa, it now has an official name—Microeledone galapagensis.The octopus was first spotted in 2015 during a deep-sea expedition aboard the research vessel E/V Nautilus.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at WIRED.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from WIRED
