Photos: Ghostly dumbo octopus dances in the deep sea

Lots to do

Nautilus mission, Grimpoteuthis octopus

(Image credit: Ocean Exploration Trust/NOAA)

The Nautilus crew has eight objectives for its 10-day mission that range from surveying the Davidson Seamount to collecting and analyze water and sea life samples.

Life in the deep

Nautilus mission, Grimpoteuthis octopus

(Image credit: Ocean Exploration Trust/NOAA)

The dumbo octopus swims and drifts through out the field of view of a camera aboard the ROV Hercules.

Deep-sea life

Nautilus mission, Grimpoteuthis octopus

(Image credit: Ocean Exploration Trust/NOAA)

The enchanting creature calmly flapped its two large fins as it cruised slowly through the dark.