Galapagos Islands, Ecuador – Scientists have announced the discovery of a previously unknown blue octopus species living deep beneath the waters near the Galapagos Islands.

The tiny octopus, named Microeledone galapagensis, was first spotted during a 2015 deep-sea expedition aboard the E/V Nautilus near Darwin Island in the northern Galapagos archipelago.

Researchers used a remotely operated underwater vehicle to explore the ocean floor around an underwater mountain nearly 5,800 feet below the surface when cameras captured the small blue animal.

“He’s tiny!” and “It’s blue!” researchers exclaimed in audio recorded during the encounter.

Using the underwater vehicle, the expedition team collected the octopus and later filmed two more that appeared similar. Back at the Charles Darwin Research Station, scientists sorting through dozens of deep-sea specimens noticed the octopus, which was only about the size of a golf ball.

Octopus expert Janet Voight immediately recognized the animal as unusual. “Right away, I knew it was something really special,” she said. “I’d never seen anything like it.”

Because the specimen was unique, researchers avoided cutting it open for study. Instead, specialists at the Field Museum created detailed micro CT scans, allowing scientists to build a 3D model of the octopus and examine its internal organs without damaging it.

The scans helped confirm the animal as a completely new species.

Researchers said the discovery highlights how much of the deep ocean around the Galapagos remains unexplored and stressed the importance of continued ocean research and conservation.

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