In a major step toward marine biology, a novel species of flapjack octopus, distinguished by its considerable ocular organs and crimson tentacles, has been unearthed from the abyssal depths of a submarine canyon off the Australian coastline. Christened Opisthoteuthis carnarvonensis, or the Carnarvon Flapjack Octopus, its nomenclature pays homage to its discovery site. This constitutes the tenth—and most recent—new species to emerge from specimens gathered during a 2022 expedition aboard the research vessel (RV) Investigator, spearheaded by CSIRO, Australia’s premier national science agency. The month-long voyage aimed to meticulously survey the largely uncharted habitats and benthic biodiversity of the Gascoyne and Carnarvon Canyon Marine Parks situated off Western Australia.
Dr. Tristan Verhoeff, a volunteer systematic taxonomist affiliated with the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, elucidated the characteristics of this newly identified cephalopod: “This novel species is a flapjack octopus, a sub-type of cirrate or ‘dumbo’ octopus indigenous to the deep ocean. It is a diminutive octopus, attaining a body length of up to 40mm, and presents an orange-brown coloration.” Dr. Verhoeff further elaborated on the distinctive traits of dumbo octopuses, noting their rarity and unusual presence on the seafloor. These creatures exhibit a slow reproductive and growth cycle, possess a remarkably soft and gelatinous consistency, and, unlike other octopus species, are devoid of ink production and the capacity for chromatic alteration.
Australia exhibits a disproportionately high biodiversity of dumbo octopus species compared to other nations, though a considerable number of these species have only been cataloged or formally described recently. The Carnarvon Flapjack Octopus’s known habitat is restricted to the Carnarvon Canyon and Gascoyne Marine Parks in Australia’s northwestern waters. Its existence augments the inherent value of the region’s recently designated marine parks. This small, gelatinous deep-sea octopus can attain a diameter of approximately 4 centimeters. While its ecology and lifestyle remain largely uninvestigated, this deep-sea “shapeshifter” possesses the remarkable capability to flatten its body, adopting the appearance of a pancake or flapjack, or conversely, to retract itself to resemble a miniature gelatinous umbrella. Endowed with eyes of substantial proportion relative to their body size, these octopuses are adept at detecting prey in the dimly illuminated depths of their habitat, subsisting on a diet of worms and minute crustaceans.
Earlier this year, Dr. Verhoeff officially described another new octopus species, derived from specimens collected during the same 2022 expedition. His contributions also encompass the description of several additional novel species from preceding voyages undertaken by the RV Investigator and antecedent CSIRO research vessels. Scientists are currently compiling an expanding inventory of new species from the 2022 voyage, including the recently described painted hornshark and the parallel-spine scorpionfish. These ongoing discoveries play a pivotal role in enabling marine conservation entities, such as Parks Australia, to more effectively preserve and safeguard the intricate diversity of marine life populating Australia’s oceanic territories.
Dr. Venetia Joscelyne, team leader at CSIRO Marine National Facility, emphasized the profound impact of the recent expedition: “The 2022 voyage off Western Australia has proven instrumental in enhancing our comprehension of the seafloor habitats and biodiversity within the region. This was the first time that researchers meticulously mapped and explored the Carnarvon Canyon and Gascoyne Marine Parks to depths exceeding 5,000 meters. She further articulated the inherent challenges of conducting research in remote, offshore, or deep-ocean environments while highlighting the RV Investigator’s impressive suite of capabilities that empower researchers to surmount these obstacles. “From this singular research voyage alone, we are witnessing the description of numerous new marine species,” Dr. Joscelyne remarked. “Incredibly, scientists estimate that there are likely more than 1,000 new species awaiting formal description from specimens gathered on RV Investigator voyages over the past decade. These groundbreaking discoveries are absolutely vital in fostering our understanding of the conservation imperatives of the marine parks and will provide invaluable assistance to Parks Australia in upholding the marine parks’ intrinsic natural values for future generations.”
