photographs by Marc Kramer

Photo by Vincent J. Musi

Nahodkin

battledress by 叉叉

michael olise via instagram

Olise x Dembele x Mbappe x Doué x Barcola = 🐐

Artemis II Core Stage Separation

Centipede dome for a real one tysm C <3

Photo: Gary Albert, CC BY-SA 2.0, flickr

The octopus squid (Octopoteuthis deletron) is unusual among squids. Most squids have eight arms and two long tentacles, making a total of 10 appendages. As young Octopoteuthis mature into adults, their two feeding tentacles are reabsorbed into their bodies.⁠ ⁠ While exploring the midwater, we often encounter octopus squid in a distinctive posture: large fins spread wide, and arms with twinkling tips curled above the head. Light-producing organs called photophores flash with bioluminescence at the end of each arm.⁠ ⁠ Octopoteuthis can change color, a behavior common in cephalopods that live in shallow waters but relatively rare among deep-dwelling species. We have documented an astonishing array of colorful and complex body patterns in octopus squid, including patches, stripes, and various postures. However, we have yet to decipher the code hidden within these markings.

These twilight zone treasures are found in the North Pacific Ocean and measure about 16 centimeters (six inches) across. At the depths where these comb jellies live, their crimson color appears black, helping them disappear into the darkness. Sometimes the ocean's most spectacular light shows come from animals that are masters of staying hidden.