Casper Octopus in the Deep Sea of the Cook Islands

Our Corps of Exploration witnessed this Casper octopod from the suborder Incirrata while exploring a series of knoll hills in the central region of the Cook Islands' waters. Using the ROV Little Hercules, we were diving over 4,100 meters (13,000+ feet) deep when we spotted this roaming cephalopod, still mostly unknown to scientists. With an arm span less than 20 centimeters, this petite white or violet octopus was nicknamed Casper when first spotted in 2016, more than 3,000 miles north in the Hawaiian Islands. While no formal species name has yet been given to these animals (as no specimens have been collected), scientists estimate that Casper octopods may be the deepest-dwelling octopus species that lacks fins. 

The NA176 Deep Sea Habitats of the Cook Islands expedition is using the ROV, mapping, and telepresence systems of E/V Nautilus to explore deep-sea areas prioritized by the Cook Islands government and local stakeholders. All collected data will be made publicly available to stimulate further exploration and research, and to support ongoing local management and future decision-making for the Cook Islands by Cook Islanders.