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Scientists Just Discovered This Freaking Adorable New Species Of Octopus

by Gillian Fuller
Getty Images

The octopus isn't generally considered to be a “cute” animal. Between the spider-like eight tentacles, powerful and slightly terrifying suction cups and the animal's ability to squirt ink, octopi are actually kind of freaky.

This lil' guy is the exception.

Recently discovered off of the coast of Hawaii by divers from the the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, this small white sea creature is quickly piquing the public's curious interest.

Beloved by the masses for its cartoon-like eyes and smooth, pearly white skin, the octopus is believed to belong to a species unknown to the scientific community.

According to the NOAA,

As the ROB was traversing a flat area of rock interspersed with sediment at 4,290 meters, it came across a remarkable little octopod sitting on a flat rock dusted with a light of sediment. The appearance of this animal was unlike any published records and was the observation ever for this type of cephalopod.

The organization plans to do further research and observe the little octo-cutie before classifying it.

Check out a video of the critter below.

Citations: An adorable species of octopus was discovered and it's basically a cartoon character (Mashable), Deep Discoverer Discovers a Very Deep, Ghostlike Octopod (NOAA)