Scientists documented a deep-sea octopus nursery at the Dorado Outcrop, off the coast of Costa Rica. Females of the species Muusoctopus incubate their eggs on rocky outcrops that emit residual heat. This phenomenon allows them to accelerate embryonic development in a habitat where temperatures are usually low.
Thermal strategy for incubation in extreme environments 🐙
The low-temperature hydrothermal vents in the area do not exceed 10°C, but offer a useful thermal gradient compared to the 2°C of the surrounding water. Females place their egg clusters in cracks and vertical surfaces near these emanations. The moderate heat accelerates embryonic metabolism, reducing incubation time. This behavior was observed using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), which allowed monitoring the site without disturbing it.
Octopuses adopt central heating in the abyss 🔥
It seems that octopuses have solved a domestic problem of the depths: heating. While we debate electricity rates, these mothers have found a free geothermal system for their eggs. They don't use thermal blankets; instead, they rent, without paying rent, an apartment with a view of the vent. A lesson in energy efficiency that puts more than one human climate control project to shame.