In March, the internet fell in love with a newly discovered species of octopus that was quickly dubbed "casper."
Named after the 1995 animated film, "Casper the Friendly Ghost," the ghost-like octopus lives miles beneath the surface of the ocean where it cares for its eggs for several years.
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Now, the BBC reports that the cute octopus is in danger from deep sea mining.
The species of ghost-like octopus lays its eggs in special stalks of sea-floor sponges that are rich with metals.
"The brooding observation is important as these sponges only grow in some areas on small, hard nodules or rocky crusts of interest to mining companies because of the metal they contain," Autun Purser, a marine researcher, told the BBC. "The removal of these nodules may therefore put the lifecycle of these octopods at risk."
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According to scientists, the metal within these sponges are needed to produce smart phones and computers.
The recently discovered "Casper octopus" is in danger from deep sea mining, reports the BBC.
Click through to learn interesting facts about the octopus species.
The recently discovered "Casper octopus" is in danger from deep sea mining, reports the BBC.
Click through to learn interesting facts about the octopus species.
The octopus is thought to be the smartest of the invertebrates. It can navigate mazes -- and remember the route -- escape from secure tanks, play with toys and use tools.
The octopus is thought to be the smartest of the invertebrates. It can navigate mazes -- and remember the route -- escape from secure tanks, play with toys and use tools.
This happened
Here is an example of its wiliness: An octopus plays tug of war with the robotic arm of the Exploration Vehicle Nautilus as the arm attempts to untie of piece of the research crew's gear from the Pacific Ocean floor in May 2016.
lessThis happened
Here is an example of its wiliness: An octopus plays tug of war with the robotic arm of the Exploration Vehicle Nautilus as the arm attempts to untie of piece of the research crew's gear from the
... moreRange
In size, they range up to the giant Pacific octopus, which averages 33 lbs. as an adult.
But their lifespan is short, from as little as six moths to five years for the giant Pacific type.
Range
In size, they range up to the giant Pacific octopus, which averages 33 lbs. as an adult.
But their lifespan is short, from as little as six moths to five years for the giant Pacific type.
Both sexes die shortly after reproducing. The female may tend her unhatched eggs for five to eight months, being so attentive that she starves herself to death.
Both sexes die shortly after reproducing. The female may tend her unhatched eggs for five to eight months, being so attentive that she starves herself to death.
Their best defense is the ability to camouflage themselves and squeeze into tight areas. Most can also emit a black ink. All are venomous, though only the blue-ringed octopus is deadly to humans.
Their best defense is the ability to camouflage themselves and squeeze into tight areas. Most can also emit a black ink. All are venomous, though only the blue-ringed octopus is deadly to humans.
Age
They are impossibly old, appearing in the fossil record half a billion years ago.
Age
They are impossibly old, appearing in the fossil record half a billion years ago.
With the exception of the few species that are routinely caught by fishermen, little is known about the lives of the 800 species of octopus identified to date. Many species have probably never been seen.
With the exception of the few species that are routinely caught by fishermen, little is known about the lives of the 800 species of octopus identified to date. Many species have probably never been seen.
One thing: If you want to speak of more than one octopus (and who doesn't?) maybe stick with octopuses. Octopus is a Greek word, so the true plural is octopodes. Octopi is just fake, mistaken Latin.
One thing: If you want to speak of more than one octopus (and who doesn't?) maybe stick with octopuses. Octopus is a Greek word, so the true plural is octopodes. Octopi is just fake, mistaken Latin.
Click through above for interesting facts about octopuses.
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