The bioluminescent octopus or glowing sucker octopus, is a deep-sea cephalopod renowned for its bioluminescent abilities. Rows of light-producing organs, called photophores, adorn its transparent body and the suckers along its arms. These photophores emit a mesmerizing blue-green glow, used for communication, attracting prey, and potentially confusing predators in the ocean’s perpetual darkness.
Some of these lights are brighter than others and turn on and off, creating what’s been described as a twinkling effect. Continue reading to learn more about the fascinating world of these luminous wonders, exploring their unique biology and the secrets they hold.
Appearance
These small octopuses have a 2 to 4 inches or 5 to 10 cm mantle. The width is around 1.6 inches or 4 cm. The eight arms are joined together, approximately two-thirds of the way towards their tip, by webs. 6 to 2.4 in) in width. The arms are of unequal length, the longest extending to about 35 cm (14 in). The skin is reddish-brown and translucent (the internal organs are visible through its skin).
This species of small pelagic octopus has an umbrella-like shape, one of the primary features of citrate octopods.
A live specimen of a bioluminescent octopus captured in the Gulf of Maine was studied, the specimen presented a row of sucker-like structures running the length of each of its tentacles glowing blue-green light at 470 nanometres.
This alluring feature does not function as adhesive suckers of other octopuses. Instead, they have become light-producing organs. Another likely advantage of bioluminescence is prey attraction. The light emitted by the octopus can lure unsuspecting small organisms and the long cirri bring them within reach for capture.
Interestingly, males have differently shaped suckers than females. The first eight suckers are barrel-shaped. The following are enlarged and more pointed in shape. Males of the species have their suckers at different distances from one another than females. There are three types proximal, mid-arm, and distal, which indicates how close the suckers are to the mantel.
Did you know…
They have two webs that join their arms, a complete dorsal membrane and a partial ventral one. The double webbing allows them to move their arms towards their mouths without compromising the primary web, a critical feature for hunting and eating.
Habitat
These octopuses are fairly common around the eastern coast of the United States, towards the edge of the continental shelf. Bioluminescent octopuses are usually found near the bottom of the ocean, at great depths around 500 to 4,000 m, with an average depth of around 2,000 meters. This incredible range is based on the temperature of the water.
These octopuses are fairly common around the eastern coast of the United States, towards the edge of the continental shelf. Bioluminescent octopuses are usually found near the bottom of the ocean up to great depths around 500 to 4,000 m with an average depth of around 2,000 meters. This incredible range is based on the temperature of the water.
Diet
Little is known about the diet of these small octopuses. But, research into preserved specimens has indicated that they eat small crustaceans, such as copepods. It’s also been suggested that their bell-shaped web can be used to capture zooplankton. The use of bioluminescence to attract prey has been suggested but not confirmed.
Reproduction
Unfortunately, a juvenile specimen of the species has never been found or studied. This means that little is known about the developmental process of the species or their lifespan. Additionally, nothing is known about the mating behavior of this deep sea species.
However, examinations of the known specimens have revealed some information about the male and female genital systems. For example, most eggs found in the female genitalia were small, less than one millimeter, and the largest up to eleven millimeters.
These octopuses are believed to lay around 900 eggs at a time.
Threats
Natural predators of the species of bioluminescent octopus have not been observed. Due to the depths at which they reside, they are at little risk from human-caused threats, such as climate change and pollution. But this does not mean that they are completely safe. In fact, various studies have indicated that these animals are often damaged by trawls by fishing boats.
It’s also likely that these animals do have specific predators they have to avoid within their deep-sea habitats; they just have yet to be observed by scientists.
4 More Facts About the Bioluminescent Octopus
- The suckers of bioluminescent octopus glow in the dark and are incapable of sucking.
- The suckers are white.
- Its the only significantly bioluminescent species of octopus.
- Transparent bodies and bioluminescence allow some species to vanish into the water, confusing predators and prey.
- When threatened, some species combine ink clouds with flashing lights to disorient predators and escape.
FAQs
What happens when a bioluminescent octopus crosses paths with a human?
As elusive inhabitants of the ocean’s depths, bioluminescent octopuses generally prefer solitude. Upon encountering a human, their typical response is to seek a swift and discreet exit. They might employ their exceptional camouflage abilities to blend into the surroundings, release a disorienting cloud of ink accompanied by a mesmerizing light show, or simply retreat to a safe distance.
Can bioluminescent octopuses become invisible?
Bioluminescent octopuses possess a remarkable ability to vanish into the depths. Their transparent bodies, when combined with their precisely controlled bioluminescence, allow them to mimic the surrounding water, rendering them nearly invisible to predators and prey.
How do bioluminescent octopuses harness the power of light?
Certain deep-sea octopus species have evolved a remarkable partnership with bioluminescent bacteria. These bacteria reside within specialized organs called photophores, where they carry out a chemical reaction that emits light. In return, the octopus provides a protected, nutrient-rich environment for the bacteria to thrive. This mutually beneficial relationship is known as symbiosis.
Are they facing threats to their existence?
Unveiling the conservation status of these enigmatic creatures presents a challenge due to the difficulties of deep-sea research. However, the delicate ecosystems they inhabit are increasingly vulnerable to human-induced threats such as pollution, climate change, and unsustainable fishing practices.
Featured image credit: shellmuseum.org
