Deep in the ocean is an octopus nursery where thousands of octopus mothers nest in the warmth of volcanic vents. The garden octopus was first described in the journal Science Advances. Since its discovery, scientists have wanted to know why cephalopods chose this location. This was discovered by researchers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. – writes for the website of the BBC Science Focus magazine.
Nearly 6,000 octopuses (Muusoctopus robustus) were discovered in their 2.5-hectare park. Scientists believe they were searching for a hot hydrothermal vent from an extinct volcano located near the ocean floor, far off the coast of California. At a depth of 3,200 metres, and in a frigid environment, reproduction is not easy. According to the study, the rate of reproduction of species in an environment close to 0°C is 4 to 33 times slower than those living in water at 10°C. Even near hydrothermal vents, the temperature can drop as low as 3°C. These polyps take years to multiply. Cold water can increase this time by slowing down the metabolism and development of embryos. However, if the animals are exposed to more heat, the reproduction process is accelerated, which reduces the risk of predation or injury to the offspring
The Octopus Garden is located on the edge of Davidson Seamount, an underwater volcano, and was first discovered in 2018. Only a few deep-sea octopus nurseries have been found so far, and this is the largest known group of octopuses on the planet.
Since its discovery, scientists have wanted to know why cephalopods chose this location. Researchers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute took temperature and oxygen measurements and captured high-resolution images and quick-play videos. At first it was hard to see heaven because the cold sea water and the warm liquid from the pods created a shimmering mirage. There are 4,707 nesting females in the 5,718-member octopus community. Polyps die after reproduction, so they come here to mate, nest and die, according to the thesis.
(Source: BBC Science Fox: https://www.sciencefocus.com/)
