Marine biologists have formally identified a new species of tiny, bright-blue octopus found in the deep waters near the Galápagos Islands.

The discovery underscores the vast amount of unknown biodiversity remaining in the deep ocean. Because these environments are difficult to access, many species remain undetected for years or decades before scientists can confirm their existence.

The animal, named *Microeledone galapagensis* [4], was first filmed in 2015 [1]. It was recorded by scientists aboard the research vessel EV Nautilus using a deep-sea submersible. The footage captured the creature at a depth of nearly 6,000 feet, or approximately 1,800 meters, below the ocean surface [2].

Physically, the octopus is remarkably small. Researchers said the animal is palm-sized or roughly the size of a golf ball [3]. Its vibrant blue coloration distinguishes it from many other deep-sea cephalopods, which often blend into the darkness of the midnight zone.

The formal identification of the species in 2026 follows years of analysis of the initial sightings and data. The research was part of a broader effort to document marine life in the Galápagos region, an area known for its unique evolutionary history and high levels of endemism.

Deep-sea exploration remains a slow process due to the extreme pressure and darkness of the environment. The use of advanced ROVs and submersibles allows biologists to observe animals in their natural habitats without the need to bring them to the surface, which can be fatal for deep-water species.

“The animal, named Microeledone galapagensis, was first filmed in 2015.”

The decade-long gap between the first sighting of Microeledone galapagensis and its formal identification highlights the technical challenges of deep-sea taxonomy. It demonstrates that current marine catalogs are incomplete and that significant biological discoveries can occur even in well-studied regions like the Galápagos if the depth is sufficient.