"Discovery of 4 New Deep-Sea Octopus Species Near Costa Rica"

Scientists have discovered at least four new species of octopus in the deep waters near Costa Rica, with two nurseries affiliated with hydrothermal springs. The expeditions were led by an international team of scientists aboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor, and the new species are currently being described by researchers. The discovery adds to evidence that the Muusoctopus genus has evolved to brood their eggs in warm springs on the seafloor. In addition to the new octopus species, the expeditions also found a thriving deep-sea skate nursery and located three hydrothermal springs in the region. The impact of the expeditions on understanding the deep Pacific waters of Costa Rica is expected to create awareness that evolves into policies to protect the deep sea of the country.