
Cutest Tiny Octopus Ever Might Have Cutest Name Ever
A new octopus species has been discovered and scientists are debating whether or not to name it adorabilis because it is extremely cute.
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute’s Stephanie Bush, a postdoctoral researcher, is studying the new little member in the octopus family and she will elaborate the formal description of the species. This means that she will also be the one who names it.
The new species of cephalopod is only 7 inches in diameter, so it is very small. It has a generous web between its long legs and it has two fins that look more like two ears.
The small ear-lookalikes and its two big eyes make it the most adorable octopus out there. And the small creature is light pink which only makes it even more sweet. It has a gelatinous consistency and therefore it is very fragile.
The name adorabilis would be so very appropriate, as it is bound to be a huge success among visitors when it will be introduced in aquariums. Its full name would be Opisthotheusis adorabilis, if it all goes as planned.
“One of the thoughts I had was making it Opisthoteuthis Adorabilis because they’re really cute.”, said Stephanie Bush.
The scientists at MBARI have worked very hard to accommodate the small octopi in their aquariums. They have put them in special dark tanks, illuminated only slightly by a special red light. There is also a water cooling system, that keeps the temperature of the water down to extremely low rates.
They have done all of this in order to recreate its normal habitat as best as they could. The small octopi live very deep under the sea, where there is barely any light and where it gets extremely cold. This is why they are not used the light we have here, above.
It seems that they have done a good job though, because they got they got a clear sign from the cute little octopi. They have been feeling so well in their artificial home, that apparently they felt safe enough to leave their eggs there as well.
The scientists have identified 4 small eggs at the bottom of the tank and they are preserving them at the moment and waiting for them to hatch into what will have to be the most adorable baby octopus in the whole wide world.
It remains to be seen what the final version of its name will be, but if there ever was an octopus worthy of the name adorable, then this is the one. Clearly, we are rooting for Opisthoteuthis Adorabilis.
Image Source: blog.sfgate.com