Watch a Dumbo Octopus in Action

Grimpoteuthis is a type of octopus that was nicknamed "Dumbo" because of the fins that resemble the large ears that the Disney elephant could use to fly. This little guy certainly looks like he's flying with those batwing fins in this deep-sea video taken by the ROV Hercules controlled by the EV Nautilus crew. Another nickname is the umbrella octopus, and you'll see why. This specimen was two feet long, and was recorded in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. He/she thoroughly charmed the scientists watching aboard the Nautilus. Don't miss the punch line at the end. -via Smithsonian

See also: previous videos from the EV Nautilus.