Stauroteuthis syrtensis Octopus Art Print

Stauroteuthis syrtensis is a cirrate octopus, meaning it has two fins on its head and cirri. Cirri are little cillia-like strands, occuring in pairs at each sucker on the octopus’ arms. I’ve chosen to depict it with its umbrella ballooning out in such a way that some of its arms displaying cirri and photophores are visible. The octopus swims just above its scientific name.

Name: Stauroteuthis syrtensis
Described: In 1879 by A. E. Verrill
Distribution: The North Atlantic Ocean: typically found at great depths and near the sea floor (benthopelagic)
Size: Can grow up to 40-45cm
Notes: S. syrtensis is bioluminescent. Some of its suckers are modified into photophores which produce light. Some of these photophores can produce a steady stream of light and some of them flash on and off creating a twinkling effect. It is believed the octopus uses its bioluminescence to deter predators and attract prey.