Scientists may have found a deep-sea octopus species, previously unknown to science, right here in Trinidad and Tobago’s waters.
In a post on the SpeSeas’ Facebook page on Wednesday, the group said that during its most recent dive, the team collected what could be the first specimen of the octopus.
Local and international scientists are participating in this first-ever national deep-sea scientific expedition aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s state-of-the-art research vessel, RV Falkor (too), from June 29th to July 28th.
Scientists will study the specimen to determine whether it represents a species new to science.
If confirmed, it will be formally described and given a scientific name.
The specimen is not expected to be returned to the ocean as experts conclude that extreme changes in pressure and temperature will make its survival impossible.
However, it will remain in Trinidad and Tobago, preserved in a museum collection where it can continue to be accessed by scientists, researchers, educators and future generations.