Octopus's Garden

While conducting deep-sea research in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, scientists aboard the E/V Nautilus got a treat that will octopi their hearts forever. Near Davidson Seamount, they encountered a beautiful umbrella octopus that flapped past on wing-like fins. Later in the dive, they encountered more than a thousand Muusoctopus octopuses tucked into nooks with their arms inverted in a brooding posture.

Scientists aboard E/V Nautilus witnessed the largest grouping of Muusoctopus ever recorded. The octopuses were positioned in a brooding posture, protecting their eggs. Photos: OET/NOAA