Today we are going to talk about Dumbo Octopus. Dumbo Octopus is a genus of Grimpoteuthis pelagic umbrella octopus. Dumbo Octopus inhabits the deep oceans. The name "Dumbo" is derived from a resemblance to a character in a Disney 1941 film, Dumbo. The average size of this octopus is between 7.9 and 12 inches in length. And the largest Dumbo octopus ever recorded was 5.9 feet long. The average lifespan of Dumbo Octopus is 3 and 5 years. So let us gather a little more information about Dumbo Octopus.
There are 13 recognized species in Dumbo Octopus. Dumbo Octopus prey includes bivalves, crustaceans, worms and copepods. Some species previously classified in the genus Dumbo Octopus were moved to other opisthoteuthis genera. The constant confusion and inequality about the classification of Dumbo Octopus species is due to the poor quality and limited number of specimens available for study.
The Dumbo Octopus can detect light and darkness but cannot form images because the Dumbo Octopus lacks a lens and has a retina. Thirteen species of this octopus have distinctive features but share umbrella shapes and large fins. These octopuses vary in shape, size, and color and can include red, pink, brown, and white. Like other octopuses, this species has eight tentacles but lacks an ink bag to defend against invaders.
Behavior
This type of octopus is delightful and can be seen floating freely in the water. The two fins on the head of the Dumbo Octopus enable slow motion. While a burst of motion can be achieved by rapid compression of the tentacles of the Dumbo Octopus. This species hunts by crawling along the seafloor or catching prey in the open water. Dumbo Octopus rarely chases prey to save the kingdom.
Habitat
Dumbo Octopus has a shortage of food. This octopus is rare. Dumbo Octopus has significant populations in waters near Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, the Philippines, Monterey Bay, Oregon, Azores, and Martha’s Vineyard. This type of octopus prefers to live at a depth of about 13,000 feet but some Monterey Bay has been observed at a depth of about 23,000 feet.
Diet
This octopus is a carnivore. Dumbo Octopus feeds its prey comfortably and by swallowing. Preferred sources of food for Dumbo Octopus include amphipods, bristle worms and isopods. The Dumbo Octopus is unlike the mouths of other octopuses that grind and rip food. The mouth of this species has a degenerate radula to accommodate prey. These octopuses take advantage of the strand-like structure on their suckers to help them explore the surrounding environment and food.
Threats
These species face some direct threats from humans. Dumbo Octopus's natural predators include sharks and predatory cephalopods. Dumbo Octopus does not have a sack of ink and so they change color and size. Dumbo Octopus is due to its pigmented cells which help them to protect themselves from predators. Some of the color changes of the Dumbo Octopus can be red, white, and pink, brown so that the Dumbo Octopus blends in with the seafloor. In addition to the threats, Dumbo feeds the Octopus with Grimpoteuthis worms, shellfish, crustaceans and copepods.
Breeding
There is no specific period for breeding in the female species of Dumbo Octopus. Females of Dumbo Octopus carry multiple eggs at different stages of maturation and which indicates that they do not have an optimal breeding period. The male species of Dumbo Octopus has a distinct protuberance on one arm that carries a specialized semen packet to the female. The idea is that the female of Dumbo Octopus can distribute this semen in the egg at any time depending on the environmental conditions.
The females of the Dumbo Octopus lay their eggs under small rocks and on shells in the ocean deep sea and by tying the eggs behind a huge boom until they find a safe place that will provide them with the best health. Like other octopuses, the females of the Dumbo Octopus do not spend much time with the young after rearing because they will be able to defend themselves once they are born.
Dumbo Octopus can distinguish a woman from a man by her body type. Females with 1.5 to 2 times shorter arms, which are wider than the length of the female species of Dumbo octopus, have a more prevalent gelatinous body type. Other differences include women with large eyes of U-shaped Dumbo Octopus and six lamellar gills.
