Opisthoteuthis agassizii

Opisthoteuthis agassizii is a lesser-known, deep-sea octopus first described in 1883.[5]

Opisthoteuthis agassizii
O. agassizii

Data Deficient  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Cephalopoda
Order: Octopoda
Family: Opisthoteuthidae
Genus: Opisthoteuthis
Species:
O. a. [2]
Binomial name
Opisthoteuthis agassizii [2]
Specimen photographed on a NOAA expedition off the southeastern USA, 2019.[4]

Like all cirrate octopuses, O. agassizii has fleshy fins to aid in swimming and a small internal shell. Males are bigger than females, and their suckers are proportionally larger. Both sexes are small. The largest specimen, a male, had a mantle (the body not including the octopus' arms) reaching 63 mm, a little under two and a half inches.[5]

Since their discovery in 1883, at least 68 specimens have been found in various parts of the Atlantic Ocean, usually near coasts.[2] They live at a maximum depth of 1,935 meters below sea level and a minimum depth of 227 meters. Like other opisthoteuthids, they occupy the benthic zone, living on or near the seafloor.[1]


References
  1. Lyons, G; Allcock, L (2014). "Opisthoteuthis agassizii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-3.RLTS.T163377A1003617.en. Retrieved 28 April 2019.
  2. "Opisthoteuthis agassizii". Ocean Biogeographic Information System. Retrieved 28 April 2019.
  3. "Species details". Catalogue of Life. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  4. "Dive 12: "Berg Bits"". Ocean Exploration and Research. NOAA. November 19, 2019. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  5. Vecchione, Michael; Villanueva, Roger; Richard, Young E. "Opisthoteuthis agassizii". Tree of Life Web Project. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
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