Overview
- The new video shows the deep-sea octopus holding and eating a red helmet jellyfish (Periphylla periphylla), reinforcing prior observations of gelatinous prey.
- Researchers filmed the animal at about 700 meters (approximately 2,300 feet) in Monterey Bay using the ROV Ventana and a purpose-built 4K deep-sea camera.
- MBARI notes that males conceal a specialized reproductive arm, giving the species its seven-arm appearance despite having eight arms.
- Females can reach roughly 13 feet in length and about 165 pounds, whereas males are much smaller, highlighting pronounced size differences.
- Haliphron atlanticus inhabits the ocean’s twilight zone worldwide and has been observed using jellyfish tentacles for defense after feeding.