Researchers have identified a new species of small blue octopus in the waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands, expanding knowledge of deep-sea biodiversity in the region. The discovery occurred during an underwater exploration near Darwin Island at a depth of approximately 5,800 feet (1,768 meters) using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).

The hand-sized octopus drew immediate attention from the research team due to its distinctive blue coloration and unusually small stature. Audio recordings from the ROV expedition captured researchers expressing surprise and fascination, describing the creature as “tiny” and likening it to a soft toy. Following the expedition, the specimen was preserved and sent to Janet Voight, a cephalopod expert at the Field Museum in Chicago, for identification and further study.

Voight’s analysis confirmed the discovery as a previously unknown species, subsequently named Microeledone galapagensis. The species is characterized by its diminutive size, a reduced number of suckers on its arms, and the absence of an ink sac, traits that distinguish it from other octopuses. Voight noted the specimen’s uniqueness, emphasizing that it was unlike any cephalopods she had encountered previously. Given that only a single specimen was available, Voight opted against invasive dissection and instead enlisted the help of colleague Stephanie Smith to produce detailed micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scans of the octopus for non-destructive examination.

Smith described the study process as a rare opportunity, highlighting the privilege of analyzing a species that had never before been observed by humans. The discovery of Microeledone galapagensis adds to the growing understanding of deep-sea life forms in the Galapagos region, underscoring the potential for new marine species yet to be documented in these remote environments.