Fishin' for Facts: Stauroteuthis or Dumbo Octopus

Name: Stauroteuthis           
Scientific name: Stauroteuthis syrtensis

About 24 inches (60 cm) total length

This deep-sea octopus is found off the coast of Eastern USA and throughout Northern Atlantic at depths of 1640.5to 13,241 ft (500 to 4000 m). Most found between 4921.5 to 8202 ft (1500 and 2500 m).

Stauroteuthis eats small copepods.  

Stauroteuthis got the nickname of "Dumbo" because it's fins look like large ears. It uses its super-sized fins to swim. .

 

This cool critter is different than its cousin octopuses. It lives deep in the ocean. It has webbing between its arms. Its suckers do not have any "suction."  It is bioluminescent. That means it creates its own light (think firefly). Instead of suction cup-type suckers, the suckers light up.  Scientist believe these lighted suckers work as a lure to attract prey. Bioluminescence is also used as a defense to startle predators. And, biologists suspect the dumbo squid may use the lights in someway to attract mates.

 

Stauroteuthis also has webbing between its arms. The webbing creates a bell that may help trap prey. (An octopus' beak mouth is at the center of all the arms.)