A fascinating new species of deep-sea octopus has been discovered off the coast of Western Australia. Meet the Opisthoteuthis carnarvonensis, also known as the Carnarvon flapjack octopus—a small, blood-red octopus with large eyes and a soft, gelatinous body that lives in the dark depths of the ocean.
🌊 Where Was the Carnarvon Flapjack Octopus Found?
This newly discovered octopus species was found in the Carnarvon and Gascoyne Canyon Marine Parks, located off the northwestern coast of Australia. It was collected during a month-long 2022 research expedition aboard the RV Investigator, led by the CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency.
This voyage marked the first scientific survey of these deep-sea marine parks, which are managed by Parks Australia. The team used advanced tools including underwater cameras, nets, and sleds to explore deep-sea habitats and collect specimens from depths of 1,044 to 1,510 meters.
🐙 What Makes This Octopus Unique?
The Carnarvon flapjack octopus is a member of the cirrate octopuses, often called “dumbo octopuses” because of their ear-like fins. These deep-sea creatures are known for their ability to:
- Flatten their bodies like a pancake, earning them the name “flapjack.”
- Float like tiny, gelatinous umbrellas in the ocean currents.
- Use large eyes to detect prey in low-light environments.
- Feed on small crustaceans and worms using their soft tentacles.
Key Facts:
- Scientific Name: Opisthoteuthis carnarvonensis
- Common Name: Carnarvon flapjack octopus
- Size: Grows up to 4 cm in diameter
- Color: Orange-brown with blood-red tentacles
- Habitat: Deep-sea canyons off Western Australia
🔬 Scientific Research and Classification
The new species was formally described by Dr. Tristan Verhoeff, a systematic taxonomist with the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, in the Australian Journal of Taxonomy (2025). It is one of several new marine species identified from the 2022 expedition, including the painted hornshark and parallel-spine scorpionfish.
These discoveries are part of ongoing efforts to document Australia’s rich marine biodiversity, especially in remote and unexplored ocean zones.
“Describing a new species is exciting, but it requires patience, precision, and comparing samples across museums and scientific records,” said Dr. Verhoeff. “This tiny octopus highlights the unique biodiversity hidden deep within Australia’s marine parks.”
🌐 Why These Discoveries Matter
According to Dr. Lisa Kirkendale, Head of Aquatic Zoology at the Western Australian Museum, the discovery emphasizes how little we know about deep-sea ecosystems, particularly in the Indian Ocean, which remains one of the last frontiers for marine exploration.
Dr. Venetia Joscelyne, from the CSIRO Marine National Facility, also stressed the importance of these expeditions in shaping conservation strategies for marine parks:
“There could be over 1,000 new species waiting to be described from RV Investigator voyages over the past decade.”
These findings are crucial for protecting marine biodiversity, managing habitats, and understanding the deep ocean’s role in global ecosystems.
🐙 Australia’s Deep-Sea Biodiversity in Focus
Australia is now recognized for its high diversity of dumbo octopus species, with 15 species recorded in its waters. Many of these have only been described recently, thanks to research efforts supported by CSIRO and partner institutions.
The discovery of the Carnarvon flapjack octopus adds significant value to the marine parks in which it was found, supporting the case for their continued protection and scientific exploration.
📚 Reference
Verhoeff, T. J. (2025). Flapjack octopods of Australia (Cephalopoda: Cirrata: Opisthoteuthidae), Part II northwestern Australia and adjacent waters. Australian Journal of Taxonomy. DOI: 10.54102/ajt.c46g9