Rare “Crêpe de Carnarvon” Octopus Discovered 5,000 Meters Deep Off Western Australia
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – A newly discovered species of octopus, notable for its striking blood-red tentacles and unique pancake-like flattening ability, has been identified from specimens collected during a recent marine research expedition off the coast of Western Australia. The creature, dubbed the “Crêpe de Carnarvon” octopus, was found at depths exceeding 5,000 meters, highlighting the vast unknown biodiversity of the deep ocean.
The discovery, detailed in a May 12, 2025, publication in the Australian Journal of Taxonomy by Tristan Joseph Veryoff, underscores the urgent need for continued deep-sea exploration and conservation. Scientists emphasize that such findings reveal a biological richness that remains largely undocumented and increasingly vulnerable to potential threats,including climate change and deep-sea mining. The Investigator, a 94-meter research vessel and flagship of Australian marine research, facilitated the collection and study of these remarkable specimens.
Researchers aboard the Investigator utilized specialized i-Nets designed to capture benthic species without causing harm. Once onboard, each specimen underwent meticulous documentation – photography, measurement, and labeling – wiht some samples dispatched to the largest Australian collections for further study. The process transforms each organism into a vital piece of the puzzle in understanding marine biodiversity.
The “Crêpe de Carnarvon” octopus isn’t merely an intriguing find; it’s a testament to the hidden life thriving in the ocean’s depths. Even a small specimen, like the 40mm octopus recovered during the mission, can provide crucial insights. The octopus’s unique morphology – its ability to flatten its body – is believed to be an adaptation to the extreme pressures and limited resources of the deep-sea surroundings.Dozen of researchers are currently analyzing the specimens in laboratories, building a more complete picture of this newly identified species and its role within the deep-sea ecosystem. The discovery serves as a potent reminder of how much remains unknown about our planet’s oceans and the potential for further groundbreaking discoveries.
Source: “Flapjack octopods of Australia (CphaloPoda: Cirrata: OpisthoteuthDae), Part II Northwestern Australia and Adjects” by Tristan Joseph Veryoff, May 12, 2025, Australian Journal of Taxonomy.
