| Cirrothauma murrayi | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Cephalopoda |
| Order: | Octopoda |
| Family: | Cirroteuthidae |
| Genus: | Cirrothauma |
| Species: | C. murrayi
|
| Binomial name | |
| Cirrothauma murrayi Chun, 1911
| |
Cirrothauma murrayi, the blind cirrate octopus,[2] is a nearly blind octopus whose eyes can sense light, but not form images. It has been found worldwide, usually 1,500 to 4,500 metres (4,900 to 14,800 ft) beneath the ocean's surface.[3][4] Like other cirrates, it has an internal shell, muscular fins for swimming, and a web connecting the arms.[5]
The species was first caught by an expedition led by Sir John Murray in 1910,[6] and it was later named in honor of Murray. It was described by German marine biologist Carl Chun in 1911.[4]
The large buccal mass, esophagus, and stomach of the Cirrothauma Murrayi strongly suggest whole organisms, especially crustaceans, are part of its diet. The enzymatic action of salivary excretions separates the crustacean's musculoskeletal attachments and allows for the tissue to be removed, leaving the exoskeleton of the crustacean undamaged.[7]
The eye structure is very different from other octopods. Their eyes are small, lens-less and almost non-functional, as the eyes also lack irises and ciliary bodies.[8] The nearly sightless eyes are embedded deep in the gelatinous tissue of their head.[8]
Cirrothauma murrayi has about six strong sessile suckers which help them swim as well as hunt fish.[8]
