The Carnarvon Flapjack, known scientifically as opisthoteuthis carnarvonensis, is a newly identified species of octopus. This small, gelatinous octopus measures approximately 4 cm in diameter and features large eyes and vibrant blood-red tentacles.
Carnarvon Flapjack Octopus (opisthoteuthis carnarvonensis). Image credit: TJ Verhoeff, doi: 10.54102/ajt.c46g9.
The Flapjack Octopus belongs to the Opistrotidae family, making it a deep-sea octopod and part of the finned octopod sub-order known for its liver-like characteristics.
Globally, around 50 species are recognized, with 15 of them recorded in Australian waters.
These octopuses have the remarkable ability to flatten their bodies resembling pancakes or flapjacks, hence their common name, or they can appear as small, gelatinous umbrellas.
With disproportionately large eyes, they are well-equipped to spot prey in the dimly lit depths they inhabit.
Their diet mainly consists of worms and small crustaceans, which they catch using their tentacles.
Dr. Tristan Werhev, a systematic taxonomist from the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, stated, “The octopods of the Opistrotidae family are characterized by a distinct combination of external and internal features.”
He further described their anatomy, noting, “The very short dome-like mantle and terminal fins look visually different compared to their proportionately large eyes and thick arms.”
“Internally, they have branched optic nerves and an inner shell reminiscent of leaves (Gradius remnant). These features are shared only with the Cirroctopodidae family, which differs by having relatively large fins, no enlarged male suckers, and unique pallial intubation.”
Opisthoteuthis carnarvonensis is the 10th and latest species described based on specimens collected during the 2022 voyage of the Research Vessel (RV) Investigator.
During the month-long expedition, researchers employed advanced cameras, nets, and sleds to gather samples and capture images from deep-sea environments thousands of meters below the surface.
Five specimens used for the species description were collected from depths ranging between 1,044 and 1,510 m near Carnarvon Canyon and Gascoyne Marine Parks in Western Australia.
Dr. Venetia Joscelyne, a researcher at CSIRO Marine National Facilities, stated, “The 2022 voyage off Western Australia was crucial for enhancing our understanding of the region’s undersea habitats and biodiversity.”
She added, “For the first time, Carnarvon Canyon and Gascoyne Marine Park have been meticulously mapped and explored down to over 5,000 meters.”
“Conducting research in remote offshore or deep-sea environments is typically challenging; the RV Investigator provides researchers with an impressive array of tools for this purpose.”
“During just this single research voyage, we have observed many new species being identified.”
“Incredibly, scientists estimate that more than 1,000 new species remain to be described from specimens collected during RV Investigator voyages over the past decade.”
“These findings are crucial for aiding our understanding of the conservation needs of marine parks and for helping Australia preserve the natural value of its marine environments in the future.”
Dr. Verhoeff noted, “Australia exhibits a higher biodiversity of Dumbo octopus species compared to other nations, with many of these species documented or described in recent years.”
“The Carnarvon Flapjack Octopus is named after the location of its discovery and is solely known from the Carnarvon Canyon and Gascoyne Marine Parks off the coast of northwest Australia.”
“Their presence enhances the ecological significance of these recently established marine parks.”
“Such discoveries have greatly contributed to our knowledge of Australia’s deep-sea ecology and biodiversity.”
“Describing new species is also vital for future ecological research and assessing conservation populations.”
Dr. Lisa Kilkendale, a researcher at the Western Australian Museum, pointed out that a paper detailing the discovery was published this month in Australian Taxonomy.
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TJ Verhoeff. 2025. Flapjack Australia’s Octopod (Cephalopoda: opisthoteuthidae), Part II: Northwest Australia and adjacent seas. Australian Taxonomy 92:1-28; doi:10.54102/ajt.c46g9
Source: www.sci.news
