1.6K shares · 212 comments | The 'dumbo' octopus has lateral fins that resemble big ears—and they're rarely observed. | National Geographic | Facebook

Deep-sea explorers have captured rare footage of a “Dumbo octopus” swimming nearly 10,000 feet below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. Named for its ear-like fins, this elusive creature lives in one of the most extreme environments on Earth—total darkness, crushing pressure, and near-freezing temperatures. Dumbo octopuses use their fins to gracefully “fly” through the water rather than jet propulsion. Because of their extreme depth range, sightings are uncommon and rely on advanced submersible