Scientists say they may have collected the first known specimen of a previously undocumented deep-sea octopus during a landmark ocean exploration mission in Trinidad and Tobago, a discovery that could represent a species new to science.

The Trinidad and Tobago-based marine conservation organization SpeSeas said the specimen is undergoing detailed analysis, including studies of its physical characteristics and DNA, to determine whether it is a new species.

If confirmed, the octopus would be the only known specimen of its kind ever collected and would be formally described and assigned a scientific name.

The specimen was collected during the Deep Wonders of Trinidad and Tobago and the High Seas expedition, the first Trinidad and Tobago-led scientific mission dedicated to exploring the country’s deep waters.

The month-long expedition, which began on June 29 and runs until July 28, 2026, brings together scientists from Trinidad and Tobago and around the world aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s advanced research vessel, RV Falkor (too).

SpeSeas said the octopus will not be returned to the ocean because animals collected from extreme depths are unlikely to survive the significant changes in pressure and temperature experienced during the journey to the surface.

Instead, the specimen will be preserved for scientific research before becoming part of a museum collection in Trinidad and Tobago, where it will remain available for study by scientists, researchers, educators and future generations.

However, the decision has prompted public discussion, with some people questioning what will happen to the specimen during the examination process and arguing that it should have been left in its natural habitat if it could not be kept alive.

The organization said the discovery highlights the importance of deep-sea exploration, where each expedition has the potential to reveal species never before documented by science.

Nearly 93 percent of Trinidad and Tobago’s marine jurisdiction lies below recreational scuba depths, with almost 70 percent classified as deep sea. However, these ecosystems remain among the least explored in the country.

During the expedition, researchers are mapping unexplored habitats, studying marine biodiversity and ecosystem connectivity, and collecting data to support ocean conservation and management.

The mission also aims to strengthen local scientific capacity through collaboration between regional and international researchers, while encouraging public interest in ocean science through live broadcasts of underwater exploration.

The Schmidt Ocean Institute has been sharing the expedition in real time through online platforms, allowing members of the public to follow discoveries and engage directly with the scientific team.

SpeSeas said the potential octopus discovery demonstrates how much remains unknown about the deep ocean and the importance of continued research into these largely unexplored ecosystems.