Story perspectives

New Bright-Blue Deep-Sea Octopus Discovered Near Galápagos

5/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers described Microeledone galapagensis, a new octopus species from deep water near Darwin Island, Galápagos.
The bright-blue animal, with a blue back and deep-purple underside that may aid camouflage, was identified without dissection using CT scans.
It was filmed in 2015 by a remotely operated vehicle at 1,800 m depth during an E/V Nautilus expedition.
Octopus specialist Janet Voight led the description, her first octopus naming after four decades of study.

1 of 1

Story summary

Researchers described Microeledone galapagensis, a new octopus species from deep water near Darwin Island, Galápagos.
The bright-blue animal, with a blue back and deep-purple underside that may aid camouflage, was identified without dissection using CT scans.
It was filmed in 2015 by a remotely operated vehicle at 1,800 m depth during an E/V Nautilus expedition.
Octopus specialist Janet Voight led the description, her first octopus naming after four decades of study.