During a research expedition in 2015, scientists discovered a new octopus species, named Microeledone galapagensis, at a depth of nearly 1,800 meters in the Pacific Ocean near the Galápagos Islands. This tiny octopus, measuring about 10 centimeters, is fully grown and may reproduce more quickly than larger relatives due to its small size. The research team utilized micro-computed tomography to create 3-D models of the octopus's organ systems, marking the first time an octopus species has been described using this technology, which allowed for species confirmation without dissection. The octopus's unique coloration, featuring a pale body and dark blue arms, may assist in foraging and avoiding predators. The discovery emphasizes the vast, unexplored biodiversity of the Pacific Ocean, with only one other known species in the Microeledone genus, suggesting that many more species could exist in these deep waters.