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Rare, deep-sea encounter: California scientists observe 'extraordinary' seven-arm octopus
- California scientists record a rare seven-arm octopus (Haliphron atlanticus) at 700 meters depth in Monterey Bay.
- The octopus was filmed eating a red helmet jellyfish, a bioluminescent creature that avoids sunlight.
- The seven-arm octopus is actually eight-armed; the male hides its eighth arm for sperm transfer.
- The octopus reaches large sizes and feeds on gelatinous prey, surprising scientists about its diet.
- MBARI researchers conducted the observation on Nov. 6 during a Monterey Bay expedition.
- The footage was captured by a remotely operated vehicle at about 700 meters depth.
- This sighting marks one of only a few dozen recordings of this species by MBARI over decades.
- Researchers note the octopus's twilight-zone habitat lies 650 to 3,000 feet below the surface.
- MBARI’s team continues to study deep-sea cephalopods and their unusual diets.
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