A Tiny Bright-Blue Octopus Found in the Galápagos Is Completely New to Science

Scientists have identified a new species of tiny blue octopus discovered during a 2015 deep-sea expedition aboard the E/V Nautilus near Darwin Island in the Galápagos. The mission, conducted with the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galápagos National Park Directorate, used a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) to explore depths of approximately 5,800 feet (1,773 meters) off the northernmost island in the archipelago. The octopus was first spotted moving across the seafloor, and researchers collected it along with footage of two other individuals believed to be the same species. Upon examination at the Charles Darwin Research Station, the specimen stood out due to its size—roughly that of a golf ball—and its striking blue color, which did not match any known species. To study the specimen without damaging it, researchers at the Field Museum in Chicago used micro CT scans, a non-destructive imaging technique. The scans revealed key anatomical details, including internal mouth structures, confirming it as a new species. Janet Voight, curator emerita of invertebrates at the Field Museum and lead author of the study, described the discovery as 'really special,' noting she had never encountered anything similar. The findings were published in the journal *Zootaxa*, adding to the Galápagos’ reputation as a biodiversity hotspot. The expedition highlighted the archipelago’s role in uncovering new marine life, reinforcing the importance of deep-sea exploration in scientific discovery.