New golf ball-sized octopus species discovered & it’s adorable

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Scientists recently found a remarkably cute, small blue octopus living almost 6,000 feet deep in the ocean near the Galapagos Islands.

Octopuses aren’t typically known for being cuddly, but the Microeledone galapagensis, a tiny blue octopus, is definitely an exception! It’s so adorable, it always brings a smile to our faces.

Researchers first noticed this unusual creature in 2015 while exploring the deep sea. They were using a remote-controlled submarine when they saw a bright blue, blob-like animal moving along the ocean floor.

Rather than capture and study one of these small creatures, the scientists chose to verify if others were living in the wild. Fortunately for the Microeledone galapagensis, it wasn’t alone!

Adorable baby blue octopus species discovered

Scientists at the Field Museum have discovered a tiny ocean creature living nearly 6,000 feet underwater near Darwin Island in the northern Galapagos Islands.

This incredibly small creature, no bigger than a golf ball, immediately fascinated researchers with its vibrant blue color. Adding to its charm, the Microeledone galapagensis also has remarkably short arms, each with a single line of suckers.

The expedition only found one example of the species, which caused a serious issue that could have harmed the young octopus.

Discovering a new octopus species requires a close examination of all its anatomy – things like the mouth, beak, and teeth. This means the octopus needs to be dissected. ‘We only had a single specimen,’ explained octopus expert Janet Voight, ‘so I was hesitant to cut it open.’

Scientists with the Charles Darwin Foundation have discovered a remarkably small, blue octopus near the Galapagos Islands. Found almost 6,000 feet underwater, the creature is about the size of a golf ball and has short arms with a single row of suckers.

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) May 25, 2026

To overcome this challenge, researchers used detailed CT scans to build a 3D model of the octopus. Surprisingly, the results showed that related species are commonly located near Antarctica, rather than in the warm waters around the Galapagos Islands.

This finding shows just how much of the ocean remains unknown, according to researchers.

Marine scientist Salome Buglass notes that finds like this highlight how much of the deep ocean around the Galapagos Islands is still unknown. Each new species discovered gives us a greater understanding of these secretive ecosystems and reinforces the importance of their protection.

This year brought exciting discoveries beyond living animals! Paleontologists unearthed a massive new aquatic dinosaur in Texas, nicknamed “T. rex,” and also found an adorable dinosaur species in South Korea.

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2026-05-25 16:19