The Unexpected Discovery of the Warty Octopus in the Depths of Uruguay
Science turned its gaze back to the depths of the sea and found a fascinating surprise: an octopus covered in protuberances in deep waters off Uruguay. Captured in ultra-high definition images at a depth of 1,603 meters, the specimen starred in the Uruguay Sub 200 expedition, organized by Udelar and the Schmidt Ocean Institute. More than just a biological curiosity, the discovery raised questions about the evolution and adaptation of these enigmatic creatures.
A mysterious octopus
caught the attention for its warts, more abundant in specimens from greater depths. According to specialist Janet Voight, it is still unknown what they are made of or what function they serve: they could be cartilaginous and perhaps vestigial, an evolutionary trait that lost its usefulness but persists in the species.
A warty octopus (Graneledone sp.) surprised scientists at a depth of 1,603 meters in the South Atlantic during the Uruguay Sub 200 expedition. The ultra-high definition transmission allowed real-time observation of this little-known species. -…
Technology to explore a hidden world
The discovery was made possible thanks to the SuBastian underwater robot, which descended over 1,100 meters in the Rio de la Plata Canyon and transmitted in 4K. Its precision in navigating challenging terrain and overwhelming pressures was likened by the team to “landing on the moon.”
Shared science with the world
The expedition, which brings together over 30 specialists from six countries, allowed the study of ecosystems threatened by . The live broadcast brought the mystery of the deep ocean closer to a global audience, reinforcing the importance of protecting fragile habitats and promoting scientific outreach as a bridge between the sea and society.
