Scientists have identified a new species of deep-sea octopus, named Microeledone galapagensis [5], discovered in the waters near the Galápagos Islands.

The find underscores the vast amount of undocumented biodiversity remaining in the deep ocean. It highlights how specialized life forms adapt to extreme pressures and darkness in the Earth's least explored regions.

The species was first spotted in July 2015 [6] during a 10-day deep-sea expedition. Researchers aboard the research vessel EV Nautilus used the robotic submersible Hercules to locate the creature on the seafloor off Darwin Island [1]. The octopus was found at a depth of approximately 1,800 meters, which is nearly 6,000 feet below the surface [1, 2].

Physically, the octopus is small, described as being about the size of a golf ball or palm-sized [3, 4]. Its distinct blue coloration distinguishes it from many other deep-sea cephalopods. The formal announcement of the species occurred in May 2026 [7], following years of analysis since the initial sighting.

The expedition that led to the discovery was designed to explore deep-sea biodiversity. By utilizing high-resolution imaging and robotic sampling, the team was able to document the creature in its natural habitat, a challenging environment where few species can survive.

This discovery adds to the growing catalog of unique fauna found in the Galápagos region, which is known for its high levels of endemism. The use of the Hercules submersible allowed scientists to observe the animal without removing it from its high-pressure environment, providing critical data on its behavior and morphology.

“The octopus was found at a depth of approximately 1,800 meters.”

The discovery of Microeledone galapagensis demonstrates that significant biological discoveries can still be made in well-known maritime regions like the Galápagos. The long gap between the 2015 sighting and the 2026 formal announcement reflects the rigorous taxonomic process required to verify new species from the deep sea, where specimens are rare and environmental data is difficult to collect.