These new species live on seamounts and around hydrothermal vents discovered in 2023. There are octopus nurseries in these areas, which are found to be active throughout the year. One of the new species belongs to the genus Muusoctopus and will be named the Dorado Octopus after the small rocky outcrop on El Dorado Hill where it was found. This species was the only of the four new species that incubated their eggs in warm water springs on the seafloor.

Dr. from the Bigelow Ocean Sciences Laboratory. “Through hard work, our team discovered new hydrothermal vents off the coast of Costa Rica and confirmed that they contain deep-sea octopus breeding grounds and unique biodiversity,” Beth Orcutt said in a statement sent to IFLScience.

These observations were made by the team of the Institute of Ocean Research. Schmidt is on board the research vessel “Falkor” (R/V Falkor). In total, more than 160 deep-sea animal specimens will be archived at the University of Costa Rica Museum of Zoology, adding to the existing collection of approximately 150 specimens collected during the expedition last June.

For the first time, these collections will be stored in the Central American country where they were collected, rather than being shipped to the United States or moved somewhere in Europe. Conservation in Costa Rica also allows scientists easy access to samples, which helps guide management decisions for this deep-sea biotope.

“The impact of R/V Falkor (and) the expeditions on the understanding of Costa Rica’s deep-sea Pacific waters will continue into the future and will hopefully contribute to increased awareness that will translate into policies to protect the country’s deep-sea marine areas,” said Dr. of the University of Costa Rica. . Jorge Cortés. “I hope this expedition will inspire new generations. We need more international cooperation to deepen the knowledge of our deep-sea heritage.”

In addition to four species of octopus, the team opened a skate breeding farm called Skate Park off the coast of Costa Rica. Three other hydrothermal vents with varying temperatures and fluid chemistry were found in the area, located 10 to 30 nautical miles apart.

“Drs. Cortes and Orcutt have formed a team that is a true example of international collaboration that expands opportunities for scientists in Costa Rica and enriches local knowledge and understanding of the ocean,” said the Ocean Institute’s executive director. Schmidt, Dr. Yotika Virman.