New Octopus Species Identified in Galápagos Deep Sea

Scientists have identified a previously unknown species of octopus living nearly 6,000 feet beneath the surface near Darwin Island in the Galápagos archipelago. The creature, roughly the size of a golf ball and colored bright blue, was first observed during a research expedition in 2015.

A new study published this month provides the first formal description and assigns the name Microeledone galapagensis. The research team collected specimens and conducted morphological and genetic analyses to confirm the animal represents a distinct species.

The Galápagos Islands lie at the confluence of several major ocean currents, creating deep-sea habitats that remain largely unexplored. Ongoing expeditions continue to document new species in these remote waters. " — NewScientist, May 2026 The same study notes that the species belongs to a group of small, deep-dwelling octopuses whose taxonomy is still being clarified.