Scientists Finally Discovered The Mystery of the “Octopus Garden” Gathering Site

[Grim Reaper 6]

 Amanda Kahn, was aboard the research vessel E/V Nautilus when scientists discovered the “Octopus Garden.” Thousands of pearl octopuses (Muusoctopus robustus) were curled up into individual balls in lines and clumps. As Nautilus Live streamed the expedition online, the world got to share the excitement of the discovery. We now know why these amazing creatures gather at this and other underwater warm springs. In a new study involving scientists from several fields, we explain why octopuses migrate to the Octopus Garden. It’s both a mating site and a nursery where newborn octopuses develop faster than expected, giving them the best shot at survival in the deep, cold sea.

Scientists Finally Discovered The Mystery of the “Octopus Garden” Gathering Site (msn.com)

Abyssal hydrothermal springs—Cryptic incubators for brooding octopus: Abyssal hydrothermal springs—Cryptic incubators for brooding octopus | Science Advances

 

[Still Waters]

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Observations of a congener (Muusoctopus sp.) brooding in hydrothermal springs off Costa Rica (37) found only undeveloped eggs, perhaps from thermal or hypoxic stress, even though environmental conditions were similar to the Octopus Garden.

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adg3247

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