The two researchers even tested a new technique for DNA sampling, swabbing the skin of the octopus rather than taking a sample from one of the tentacles. And it did - all seven octopuses were genetically distinct from Enteroctopus dofleini, and the researchers identified them as a genetic sister clade using mitochondrial genes, nuclear genes and microsatellite loci. Then came the big test: whether the DNA matched the visual differences. Some also had three smaller raised papillae under the eyes, like eyelashes compound major papillae over the eye or long, branched, antler-like papillae over the eyes.Īll of the new octopuses had at least one of these traits none of the giant Pacific octopuses did. They all also had one long, thin, major papillae over each eye, a trait that occurs only rarely in the giant Pacific octopus. The new octopus was defined by a frill of merged papillae - raised fleshy bumps on its skin - running the length of its body and two white spots on its head, where the great pacific octopus only has one spot. Hollenbeck and Scheel retrieved 21 octopuses this way - a full seven of which could be visually identified as distinct from the giant Pacific octopus. So researchers Nate Hollenbeck and David Scheel from Alaska Pacific University set out looking for that visual confirmation - for an octopus that was similar to, but nevertheless morphologically different from, Enteroctopus dofleini.Īnd where better to look than a place that seems irresistible to the cephalopods - shrimp traps, where the giant Pacific octopus is common bycatch in Alaska, climbing in to feast on the trapped shrimp, or simply out of curiosity to investigate some new crannies. However, the two octopuses they tested were released without being photographed, so there was no visual evidence to confirm. The existence of a separate species has been suspected since at least 2012, when researchers found DNA evidence of a genetically distinct Enteroctopus in the waters of Prince William Sound in Alaska. ![]() It doesn't have a scientific name, and it hasn't been fully described yet, but the frilled giant Pacific octopus has been confirmed using genetics. It's just that we didn't have enough evidence for a separate species, until now. Alongside the Lion's Mane Jelly and Giant Squid, the Pacific octopus is one of 3 non-vertebrate animals that are adoptable in the Zoo Tycoon series.What scientists are now calling the "frilled giant Pacific octopus" has been right under our noses the whole time - mistaken for the giant Pacific octopus, Enteroctopus dofleini.It requires a deep tank, as well as a shelter. Like all Marine Mania animals, the Pacific octopus is an Aquatic animal. In Freeform mode, it is not adoptable until June 1. The Pacific octopus is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon and was added as part of the Marine Mania expansion pack. Despite their large size, Pacific octopuses have a relatively short lifespan of around five years females will only have one clutch of eggs and starve to death caring for them. Like all octopuses, they are extremely intelligent and captive specimens have been known to solve simple puzzles and use tools. It is adapted for life in colder water and can be found at depths of up to 2000m (6600ft). The Pacific octopus can be found in the northern Pacific, across the coasts of North America and Asia. As the beak is the only hard part of an octopus' body, it can squeeze into any crevice it can fit its beak into in order to find prey or escape predators. The Pacific octopus primarily feeds on crustaceans such as crabs, using its hard beak to crack open the tough shell of its prey. Large octopuses can have an arm-span of 6m (20ft). Like all octopuses, it has eight arms covered in adhesive suckers, which it uses to catch prey and move around its environment. One of the largest recorded individuals weighed 71kg (156lb), although sizes may vary. The Pacific octopus, also known as the Giant Pacific Octopus, is the largest species of octopus. The Pacific Octopus ( Enteroctopus dofleini) is a large cephalopod from the northern Pacific.
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