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Quick answer
The dumbo octopus (Grimpoteuthis spp.) glides on ear-like fins above abyssal soft bottoms worldwide. Adults reach 30 cm and are Least Concern.
Top questions about the Dumbo Octopus
Dumbo Octopus facts at a glance
- Weight 300 g
- Length 30 cm
- Top speed 2 km/h
- Lifespan 4 years
| Scientific name | Grimpoteuthis spp. |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Habitat | Deep-sea soft bottoms |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years |
| Weight | 0.1–0.5 kg |
| Top speed | up to 2 km/h |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Mollusca |
| Class | Cephalopoda |
| Order | Octopoda |
| Family | Opisthoteuthidae |
| Genus | Grimpoteuthis |
Where it lives
The dumbo octopus (Grimpoteuthis spp.) is native to Abyssal oceans worldwide. — recorded across North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania in this guide’s range summary.
For occurrence records, see GBIF species search and sources below.
How big is a dumbo octopus?
An adult dumbo octopus measures 30 cm long — about 17% of the height of an average adult person (1.73 m) — and weighs around 300 g, a small fraction of an average adult’s body weight (70 kg).
Length vs an average adult’s height (to scale)
What is a group of dumbo octopuses called?
Group name (collective noun)
A group of Dumbo Octopuses is called a school.
Baby name
A baby Dumbo Octopus is called a juvenile.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
Fins like elephant ears
Flapping lateral fins and webbed arms let dumbo octopuses hover just above sediment. Pale gelatinous bodies suit crushing-pressure depths.
Worms and crustaceans on mud
Prey is engulfed or picked from the seabed; hunting is slow and opportunistic in food-sparse abyss.
Abyssal plains worldwide
Grimpoteuthis species occur globally on soft bottoms roughly 1000–7000 m deep. ROV encounters are rare but widespread.
Beyond fishery reach
Least Concern with no harvest and vast habitat. Deep mining and climate impacts are future concerns, not present drivers.
Explore the Dumbo Octopus
Related Invertebrates
Range & geography
Conservation status of the Dumbo Octopus
The dumbo octopus (Grimpoteuthis spp.) is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Least Concern (LC) is the IUCN's lowest-risk category, assigned to widespread, abundant species that have been evaluated and found not to be threatened. It does not mean a species faces no pressures — only that it is not currently at risk of extinction.
The dumbo octopus (Grimpoteuthis spp.) is assessed on the IUCN Red List. Look up on the IUCN Red List .
Frequently asked questions about the Dumbo Octopus
Why is it called a dumbo octopus?
Ear-like fins flapping as it swims resemble Disney's Dumbo the elephant.
How deep do dumbo octopuses live?
Typically abyssal depths from about 1000 m to 7000 m on soft sediment.
Do dumbo octopuses have ink?
Many deep species lack ink sacs; defence relies on gelatinous bodies and depth.
What do dumbo octopuses eat?
Small worms, crustaceans, and other benthic invertebrates on the abyssal floor.
Are dumbo octopuses intelligent?
Like other octopuses they show curiosity in ROV footage, though little is known of cognition at depth.
What is a group of dumbo octopuses called?
A group of Dumbo Octopuses is called a school.
What is a baby dumbo octopus called?
A baby Dumbo Octopus is called a juvenile.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Dumbo Octopus:
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IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Least Concern) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Grimpoteuthis spp..
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iNaturalist — observations & photos
Search citizen-science observations and community IDs for Grimpoteuthis spp.. Useful for range checks and recent sightings — not a substitute for formal Red List status.
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GBIF — occurrence data
Global Biodiversity Information Facility species search for Grimpoteuthis spp.. Explore published occurrence records used in range research.
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Global Animal Guide editorial standards
How we research, source, review, and update every guide for accuracy.
