An octopus so cute scientists may name it “adorabilis.” Seriously.
If given the chance to name one of the cutest octopi in the sea, what would you choose? That’s a question postdoctoral researcher Stephanie Bush, currently working at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, is asking herself. She has the opportunity to name a pink flapjack octopus that’s currently unnamed aside from its genus, Opisthoteuthis.
So what’s she thinking about naming the little guy? One name she’s thought of is Opisthoteuthis Adorabilis, because the tiny octopus is, well—just look at him. If that isn’t the cutest newfound octopus…
Measuring in at just seven inches in diameter and living at about 1,476 feet below sea level, he may look familiar to fans of Finding Nemo. Pearl is also in the same genus!
Round-ish with huge eyes, this little guy has webs between its legs that let it parachute through the ocean. Seriously. And please note his little flaps, and just generally how cute he is.
Bush hasn’t decided on a name quite yet, but we’re definitely on team Adorabilis! Check out the video below to learn more about how she’s been researching this incredible species and what we know so far!
(Images via Bored Panda, via)