This is a new species of deep-sea decorator crab of the genus Tunepugettia, one of more than 30 crab species found so far. This crab places objects on the rows of hairs on its body to camouflage itself from predators as it scavenges for food on the ocean floor. It is 5cm long and is found from 400m to 800m underwater.
Nicknamed the Dumbo octopus because of its resemblance to a Disney character, this specimen was trawled from about 900m underwater, off the coast of south-west Java. It feels like jelly to the touch and had a dark purple hue when first collected. It swims using two large flaps on its head and is 15cm to 20cm long.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Read the full story and more at $9.90/month
Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month
ST One Digital
$9.90/month
No contract
ST app access on 1 mobile device
Unlock these benefits
All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you