Ghostlike Octopus Found Lurking Deep Below the Sea

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While exploring the deep sea northeast of Hawaii’s Necker Island with a remotely operated vehicle, scientists aboard the NOAA ship Okeanos Explorer were surprised to encounter what may be a never-before-seen octopus. Though the February 27 discovery was made at a depth of 4,290 meters (14,075 feet), the octopus belongs to a group of octopods that have not previously been observed at depths greater than 4,000 meters (13,123 feet). This octopus lacks pigment cells typical of most cephalopods, which gives it a ghostlike appearance.