Deep-Sea Oddities: The Flapjack Octopus and the Stubby Squid

A dive into two of the ocean’s most evocatively named deep-sea creatures: the flapjack octopus (Opisthoteuthis) and the stubby/bobtail squid (Rossia pacifica). We explore why they’re so flat, how their unique bodies and medusoid swimming keep them stable and energy-efficient in the dark, and what tricks they use—buoyancy control, camouflage, cirri-driven feeding, and a lack of ink—to survive the abyss. We’ll also glimpse recent discoveries (like Opisthoteuthis carnivoransis) and the bobtail squid’s bioluminescent partnership, tying in broader themes of convergent evolution that make the deep sea a lively workshop for life’s creativity.

Note: This podcast was AI-generated, and sometimes AI can make mistakes. Please double-check any critical information.

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