MBARI researchers recorded rare footage of a seven‑armed octopus (Haliphron atlanticus) on November 6, spotted by senior scientist Steven Haddock while piloting an ROV nearly half a mile (≈800 m) below Monterey Bay. Real‑time, noninvasive observation let scientists see the octopus alive and holding a jellyfish, preserving natural behavior that nets would disturb. The sighting underscores how modern monitoring tools support conservation, inform resource management, and inspire public interest.
Rare Deep‑Sea Sighting: MBARI Captures Seven‑Armed Octopus on Video for First Time Since 2017
Researchers aboard a Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) vessel recorded rare, high‑quality footage of a seven‑armed octopus (Haliphron atlanticus) on November 6. The sighting — captured with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) — is the first documented encounter with this species in the area since 2017 and offers a vivid example of what patient, noninvasive observation can reveal about deep‑sea life.
Observation Details
Senior scientist Steven Haddock spotted the octopus while piloting the ROV in Monterey Bay. The animal was observed nearly half a mile below the surface (about 800 meters), drifting calmly while holding a jellyfish.
"You never know what you're going to see," Haddock said of the encounter.
Although commonly nicknamed the "seven‑armed octopus," male Haliphron atlanticus actually possess eight arms; one arm is modified (a hectocotylus) and is often tucked away for reproductive purposes.
Why Noninvasive Monitoring Matters
Scientists emphasize that the team could view the creature alive, intact, and behaving naturally because the ROV allowed real‑time, in‑situ observation. Unlike nets that remove animals from their environment, ROVs and deep‑sea cameras preserve natural behavior and reduce stress or damage that can obscure scientific understanding.
Noninvasive monitoring tools — from deep‑sea cameras to terrestrial trail cameras — enable researchers to assess population health, document behavior, and evaluate whether conservation or rehabilitation efforts are working.
Context And Broader Significance
Similar careful monitoring has produced notable results elsewhere, including BBC footage of a three‑month‑old wolverine in Alaska and trail‑camera images of an endangered ocelot in Arizona. For coastal and inland communities alike, data from such monitoring supports smarter management of oceans, shorelines, and wildlife.
Healthy ecosystems also benefit people: balanced habitats help stabilize food systems — from fisheries to agriculture — and protect livelihoods tied to natural resources. Thoughtful stewardship and investment in monitoring bring communities closer to a future where discovery and protection go hand in hand.
Public Reaction
The rediscovery generated excitement online. On MBARI's YouTube channel (@MBARIvideo), one viewer called the creature "an absolutely magical little creature," while another wrote, "I did not know this splendid animal existed. Now I do. That makes me rather happy."
Why This Matters: The footage is a reminder that combining technology, patience, and respect for nature can yield new scientific insights and strengthen conservation efforts.
