Grimpoteuthis spp, are known as the deepest living of all octopus species.
They live on the seafloor or hover just slightly above it at depths of
depths of 3000 to 4000 m (9800 to 13000 ft), The similarity of the
ear-like fins protruding from the top of the mantle of the Dumbo octopus
to the ears of the Disney character, Dumbo, the Flying elephant, led to
the common name, dumbo. There are about 17 species of Dumbo octopus that
belong to a group called âumbrella octopus,â because they are able to
float with an umbrella-like look to their mantle. While these species can
âflushâ color as do more shallow species, their mouth structure is
different. It has a degenerated radula-type opening that allows it to
swallow prey whole instead of having to tear and grind it. This feeding
characteristic unique to the genus Grimpoteuthis.
Those big Bambi-like eyes looking at you with curiosity and those adorable
fin flaps on the side of their mantle has the whole world collectively
sighing, âAwwwwâ. The Flapjack Octopus is described as so cute that the
scientists initially wanted to name it this octopusâ Adorabilisâ.