Tiny, blue octopus species discovered — and scientists think it’s adorable: ‘Never seen anything like it’
A new species of tiny blue octopus has been discovered nearly 6,000 feet deep off the Galapagos Islands. Scientists believe its unique coloration helps it evade predators. The octopus, named Microeledone galapagensis, showcases distinct features that set it apart from other octopuses.
- ▪The new octopus species was found during an expedition in 2015.
- ▪It was identified using CT scans to avoid damaging the only specimen available.
- ▪The creature's blue pigmentation is thought to serve as camouflage against predators.
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Wildlife Tiny, blue octopus species discovered — and scientists think it’s adorable: ‘Never seen anything like it’ By Ben Cost Published May 26, 2026, 4:08 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google It’s a deep blue creature in the deep blue sea. Scientists were delighted after discovering a new species of tiny, blue octopus nearly 6,000 feet down off the Galapagos Islands, per a study published in the journal Zootaxia. “Right away, I knew it was something really special,” said the study’s head author, Jane Voight, curator emerita of invertebrates at the Field Museum in Chicago in a statement. “I’d never seen anything like it.” Scientists theorized that the cartoonish-looking critter used its unique coloration to evade predators.
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