Watch: Rare 'Dumbo' octopus seen in California deep-sea dive

A rare 'Dumbo' octopus was spotted by scientists during a deep-sea research dive done by their unmanned robotic submersible off the coast of California.

Scientists from the non-profit Ocean Exploration Trust were exploring a region near an underwater volcano when the octopod measuring approximately 60 centimetres (23 inches) drifted past the camera of their research vessel E/V Nautilus.

The sea creature is so named because its flapping fins on the side of its head that resemble the famous Disney character.

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Also called an umbrella octopus, it lives on the ocean floor at depths of 9,000-13,000 feet (2.7-4 km), according to the Tree of Life Project, an online website researching biodiversity.