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The Fascinating Dumbo Octopus: Deep-Sea Wonder — Reading Comprehension

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MS-LS1-5
RI.6.3
RI.7.3
RI.8.8

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Aligned to NGSS, this passage explores Dumbo octopus adaptations like ear-like fins for swimming at 3,000-13,000 ft depths, ink-sac absence, and inside-out escape mechanism. Students analyze how structure supports function in extreme environments.

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Dumbo-hires (cropped) — "Dumbo-hires" by NOAA Okeanos Explorer / Wikimedia Commons.

The Dumbo octopus (genus Grimpoteuthis) is one of the most unique and enchanting creatures of the deep ocean. Named after Disney’s beloved flying elephant due to its ear-like fins, this deep-sea dweller lives in extreme depths of 3,000 to 13,000 feet, where sunlight never reaches. Unlike shallow-water octopuses, the Dumbo octopus lacks an ink sac—since its dark, high-pressure habitat has few predators, it doesn’t need to squirt ink to escape!

Dumbo octopuses are found in oceans worldwide, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, thriving near the seafloor where temperatures are near freezing. Their soft, gelatinous bodies help them withstand the crushing pressure of the deep sea. They move gracefully by flapping their ear-like fins, drifting like underwater ghosts in search of food.

Food is scarce in the deep ocean, so Dumbo octopuses aren’t picky eaters. They primarily feast on small deep-sea creatures, including worms, snails, shrimp, and even tiny fish. Using their eight webbed arms, they gently capture prey, sometimes swallowing it whole. Since hunting is difficult in the dark, they rely on their excellent sense of touch to locate meals.

These deep-sea cephalopods live for about 3 to 5 years, shorter than many other octopus species. Females carry eggs in their arms until they hatch, releasing fully developed miniature octopuses into the water. Unlike shallow-water octopuses that die after reproducing, some Dumbo octopuses may survive to breed multiple times.

Fun Fact: The Dumbo octopus can turn itself inside out to confuse predators—a rare and bizarre defense mechanism!

Where do Dumbo octopuses live?

Coral reefsDeep ocean (3,000–13,000 feet)Freshwater lakesNear the shore

What do Dumbo octopuses primarily eat?

SeaweedLarge fishWorms and snailsDead whales

How long do Dumbo octopuses usually live?

1–2 years3–5 years10–15 yearsOver 20 years

Why don’t Dumbo octopuses have ink sacs?

They don’t need them in the deep oceanThey use camouflage insteadThey are too smallThey squirt water instead

How do Dumbo octopuses move?

Jet propulsionFlapping their ear-like finsCrawling on the seafloorSwimming like fish

What is unique about Dumbo octopus reproduction?