Scientists exploring deep waters near the Hawaiian Islands make a rare sighting of a "Dumbo" octopus.
The sighting occurred about a mile below the Pacific Ocean's surface in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
Video footage was captured by the Ocean Exploration Trust and NOAA during their expedition.
The research mission aims to collect data crucial for addressing local management and scientific requirements in the PMNM.
One key objective is to gain a better understanding of deep-sea natural resources and species distribution in the area.
Dumbo octopuses are known to inhabit extreme depths and are the deepest-living octopuses documented.
These remarkable creatures can thrive at depths of up to 13,000 feet beneath the ocean's surface.
They earned the nickname "Dumbo" octopuses due to their two prominent fins that resemble the ears of the Disney character.
Dumbo octopuses primarily feed on snails, worms, and other organisms found near the ocean floor.