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Grimpoteuthis, The Dumbo Octopus

Preview The “Dumbo Octopod” swims by moving its fins, pulsing its webbed arms, or pushing water through its funnel for jet propulsion.
(©1999 MBARI)

The dumbo octopus (Grimpoteuthis) is a deep sea animal that lives on the ocean floor at extreme depths of 9,800 to 13,000 feet. They are small animals, around 8 inches tall, and have a pair of fins located on their mantle—their namesake—and webbing between their arms. Grimpoteuthis swim often hover just above the seafloor looking for snails, worms, and other food. Watch rare (and beautiful) footage of a Dumbo octopod swimming in the wild.