Beneath the ocean's depths, Ringo's hidden sanctuary has been revealed—a warm refuge that has always existed. Concealed within the enigmatic realm of the deep sea, an extraordinary octopus nursery thrives amidst the abyssal creatures. This remarkable haven, often referred to as the 'Octopus Garden,' is now unveiled in the pages of the journal Science Advances.

Figure 1. On An Underwater Volcano, This Lovely "Octopus Garden" Was Found

Figure 1 shows This unique habitat, previously unseen, is illuminated for the first time. Within this underwater expanse, thousands of nurturing eight-armed mothers, belonging to the Muusoctopus robustus species, find solace in the embrace of hydrothermal vents emanating from a dormant underwater volcano. Spanning a remarkable 2.5 hectares (6.2 acres), this sanctuary houses nearly 6,000 octopuses. Positioned near the ocean floor, far from the coast of California, USA, this hidden treasure is an astonishing testament to the marvels of marine life.

Situated at a depth of 3,200 meters (10,500 feet), the frigid and unwelcoming environment poses challenges for successful reproduction. The study reveals that reproduction rates in settings with temperatures close to 0°C (32°F) can be significantly slower, ranging from 4 to 33 times, compared to those in waters at 10°C (50°F). Even in the vicinity of the hydrothermal vents, temperatures could plummet to as low as 3°C (37.4°F).

For these octopuses, the process of reproduction can extend over several years due to the extremely cold conditions. The low temperatures hinder their metabolism and impede the development of embryos. However, if these creatures can access warmer areas, the reproduction process accelerates, reducing the vulnerabilities of the offspring to predation or injury.

The Octopus Garden, found on the precipices of the Davidson Seamount, initially came to light in 2018. Only a handful of deep-sea octopus nurseries have been discovered, and this particular site stands as the most extensive congregation of octopuses known on our planet. Ever since its discovery, scientists have been eager to comprehend the rationale behind the cephalopods' selection of this specific location. Researchers from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (California, USA), spearheading this study, delved into the mysteries of the Octopus Garden using temperature and oxygen measurements. Additionally, they captured high-resolution images and time-lapse videos to unravel its secrets.

Initially obscured from view, the Octopus Garden presented a challenge due to the undulating boundary between chilly seawater and the warmer fluid from the hydrothermal vents, creating a shimmering illusion. Comprising a population of 5,718 octopuses, the site houses an impressive 4,707 nesting females. As octopuses perish after reproducing, they congregate here for the purposes of "mating, nesting, and dying," as outlined in the research paper.

Source:Science Focus

Cite this article:

Janani R (2023),On an Underwater Volcano, This Lovely "Octopus Garden" Was Found,Anatechmaz, pp.568