Exceptional Footage of Chaunacops and Dumbo Octopus in Palau

While diving on an Unnamed Seamount West of Babeldaob near the Palau National Marine Sanctuary, ROV Hercules happened upon two gorgeous deep sea creatures. Shoutout to our operations team for these amazing shots of fan-favorite critters. 

We start with what might be our best Chaunacops footage yet with clear views of this anglerfish’s famous lure. Also called the frogfish or coffinfish, we often spot Chaunacops sp., but never with quite this much detail. Next is an extra-leggy dumbo octopus (Cirroteuthis)- a deep sea cephalopod known for its adorable ear-like fins. Both of these benthic animals rewarded our Corps of Exploration by hanging around long enough to allow us to gather great video footage and remind us of the beauty and biodiversity of Palau’s waters. 

The NA168 Lebuu’s Voyage expedition to explore the deep sea inside and around the Palau National Marine Sanctuary was conducted in partnership with the Palau International Coral Reef Center and funded by NOAA Ocean Exploration via the Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute. It was named Lebuu’s Voyage by Palauan stakeholders as part of a strategic effort to advance traditional knowledge and best practices in tandem with scientific understanding.