New Species of Octopus Discovered in Costa Rica's Third Known Octopus Nursery

In a recent 19-day expedition, scientists located a second brooding site at an unnamed outcrop where hydrothermal venting at low temperatures of 7°C occurs. This finding solidifies Costa Rica's status as the home of two known deep-sea octopus nurseries and the world's only third-known octopus nursery overall. The newly discovered nursery specifically houses the Dorado Outcrop species of deep-sea octopus.

The Schmidt Ocean Institute, responsible for the expedition, announced that the mollusks may represent a previously unidentified octopus species within the Muusocotpus genus. The genus is characterized by small to medium-sized octopuses without an ink sac. Jyotika Virmani, the executive director of the Schmidt Ocean Institute, expressed excitement about the discovery, stating, "The deep-sea off Costa Rica rides the edge of human imagination, with spectacular footage collected by ROV SuBastian of tripod fish, octopus hatchlings, and coral gardens."

The Dorado Outcrop, approximately the size of a soccer field, is occupied by an estimated 100 female octopuses engaged in brooding. This unique nursery has drawn scientific attention due to its unusual characteristics. Previously, octopuses were considered solitary creatures, with observations limited to territorial disputes or late-stage mating. Females were known to brood their eggs alone, typically perishing after hatching. The absence of visible embryos during the initial discovery added to the mystery.

Typically, octopuses seek warm waters to expedite egg hatching. However, in 2018, researchers found over 1,000 members of a different octopus species nesting in a warm geothermal spring almost 2 miles beneath California's coastal waters. This site was slightly shallower, nearly 1¾ miles deep.

During the Costa Rican expedition, scientists also uncovered five previously unknown seamounts, which exhibited thriving biodiversity. This discovery has prompted discussions about the potential designation of these areas as marine protected areas. Such a designation would ensure their preservation and safeguarding by local organizations and the government. Dr. Jorge Cortes of the University of Costa Rica expressed the importance of the expedition in exploring the deep regions of their own country. The data, samples, and images collected will contribute to scientific studies and raise awareness about the need for preservation.

The remarkable find of the potential new octopus species and the exploration of Costa Rica's deep waters highlight the immense diversity and value of the ocean, emphasizing the significance of conservation efforts in protecting these fragile ecosystems.