Yes, This Rare Species is Actually See-Through

Deep-sea creatures often look more like science fiction monsters than marine animals. The glass octopus is one such animal. The Schmidt Ocean Institute captured this footage of the incredibly rare transparent octopus in 2021. No other footage has surfaced since then, making this one of the best glimpses into an exceptionally rare octopus.

The Biology of the Glass Octopus

Vitreledonella richardi, or the glass octopus, is known for its fully transparent body, which earned it its name since every organ can be seen through its translucent skin. In this video, we can easily see the optic nerve, eye, and digestive tract. Very little is known about this octopus species, including why or how its translucent body helps it at such depths. It has only been seen in the ocean’s mesopelagic and bathypelagic zones, both unreachable by humans. One theory is that its practically invisible exterior helps it to camouflage. The lack of light would only help this octopus disappear into the shadows at these depths. In this case, the best form of blending in may not be to blend in at all; rather, this octopus just appears non-existent.

Few things are known about the rest of its anatomy. Most of the information we have comes from scientists studying the stomach contents of other, larger species that consider the glass octopus their prey. One unique facet experts have gleaned from this video is its uniquely shaped eye. It’s believed that its cylindrical shape may further enhance its camouflaging abilities. Due to its angle, it would be practically impossible to see from below the octopus. Another detail of its anatomy that stands out is its suckers. These are just as translucent as its body, but easily seen due to their size.

It Can Still Change Color

One interesting thing about the glass octopus is its chromatophores, which are the yellow specks found all over its webbing. In most species, chromatophores help an octopus change color to blend in with its surroundings. On the glass octopus, this could be what triggers its skin to be translucent. If it were not for the chromatophores looking like someone had splattered paint on the creature, they would be easily missed on its clear body.

These chromatophores would also explain why we can see the internal organs of the octopus. While its body can become almost invisible, it’s unable to turn its optic nerve and digestive tract translucent. Whether this hinders its survival against predators is unclear. In all likelihood, the octopus’s ability to turn 95% clear is enough to evade most predators at these depths.

It’s Small and Elusive

The size of the glass octopus may also, with its transparency, make it efficient at evading predators. This small cephalopod only reaches about 18 inches in length. This measurement includes the tentacles, making this creature smaller than you might think. Its size pales, like the giant Pacific octopus, compared to other well-known cephalopods. The fact that this octopus was even captured on film is incredibly lucky. While it floats in the open ocean, it typically dwells nearly 3,000 feet below the surface. One thing it does have in common with others in its species is its diet. It’s believed the glass octopus also hunts mollusks, clams, and small crustaceans.

The Schmidt Ocean Institute found this octopus near the U.S. Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument. During their 34-day expedition, they observed many rare species, but none as rare as the glass octopus. This octopus is one of the least-studied of all marine life, and the 2021 sighting remains the last time it has ever been captured on film.