Octopus Skin Care Secrets Revealed: It’s All About the Bacteria!

Ever wonder what keeps octopuses looking so fabulous under the sea? It turns out, they’ve got a special version of a skin[care] routine — bacteria! A recent study, published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, has revealed how unique bacteria living on octopus skin could play a crucial role in their health and survival.

What Is the Octopus Skin Microbiome?

The researchers set out to uncover whether octopuses have a distinct skin microbiome — a community of bacteria living on their skin. They examined the microbiomes of two octopuses living in the same area in south Florida, the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) and the Atlantic longarm octopus (Macrotritopus defilippi). Their goal was to determine if the bacteria on these octopuses differed from those found in their surrounding environment, including the sediment and seawater.

How Scientists Uncovered the Unique Bacteria on Octopus Skin

“Octopuses play a significant role in research, education and outreach at zoos and aquariums, fisheries, and coastal ecosystems. It’s important to identify diseases they might face and the helpful bacteria they rely on to stay healthy,” said Chelsea Bennice, Ph.D., a marine scientist at Florida Atlantic University and lead author of the study.

First, Bennice had to swab the skin of the little escape artists. “I wanted to sample and swab the octopus in the field instead of taking the animal  back to the lab to minimize stress and handling time,” she said. So, she created a floating lab to tow while scuba diving. The floating lab held all her sampling equipment, as well as a holding arena for the octopus. “Once the octopus was collected in a perforated bin, I ascended slowly to the floating lab and placed the animal in the holding arena that allowed fresh seawater flow to the octopus. I’d quickly swab the octopus, release it back to the water, then take seawater and sediment samples where the octopus was collected. Of course, all of this was conducted under approved permits and with scientific dive buddies,” she said. 

How DNA Sequencing Revealed the Secrets of Octopus Skin

Using advanced technology to read and analyze the genetic information from the swab, called DNA sequencing, Bennice and coauthors examined the bacteria DNA from the octopuses’ skin samples, as well as the environment. 

One of the key findings was that the octopus skin microbiome is distinct from the surrounding environment, said Bennice. While the ocean sediment was home to the highest diversity of bacteria, the bacteria found on octopus skin differed significantly from those in the sediment and seawater. She explained that octopuses may host a unique set of bacteria not commonly found in their surroundings.

Bacteria as the Octopus’ Built-In Defense System

Bacteroidetes, a phylum of bacteria that was relatively rare in the sediment and seawater, was abundant on the octopus skin. Within this group, the family Flavobacteriaceae was particularly prevalent. Additionally, Proteobacteria, the largest group of bacteria, was also a significant component of the octopus skin microbiome. These bacteria perform various functions: they break down organic matter, produce pigments, and even prey on other bacteria. For the octopus, it’s like having a built-in defense system that keeps their skin in top condition, much like how certain skin care products might protect human skin from environmental damage.

Comparing Microbiomes: Common Octopus vs. Atlantic Longarm Octopus

When comparing the two octopus species, differences also became apparent. “At first glance, their skin microbiomes seemed similar, but when I examined the bacteria at the genus and species levels, variations emerged,” Bennice explained. The environment where a species lives can influence its microbiome, as seen in other animals like sea urchins, sharks, bony fishes, and amphibians, she said. In this study, researchers found that the two octopus species inhabit different environments: the Atlantic longarm octopus prefers sandy habitats, while the common octopus thrives in rocky or rubble-filled areas.

For Bennice, the next steps in her research involve exploring how differences in species, sex, age and location affect microbiomes of the eight-armed creatures. “I’ve just swabbed the surface of the octopus’s skin microbiome- pun intended.” 

Octopus Skin: A Microscopic World of Health and Protection

The next time you see an octopus showcasing its vibrant colors or changing patterns, remember that behind its captivating exterior is a microscopic world of beneficial bacteria. These tiny microbes are not just hitching a ride; they are crucial partners in keeping the octopus healthy and radiant in the underwater world.