Flapjack octopus is real, and appearing at Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Humans know far more about many planets in outer space than they do the deep sea on Earth.

But starting March 22, one of the deep's more astonishing creatures takes a star turn at Monterey Bay Aquarium.

A pair of deep-sea Opisthoteuthis, aka flapjack octopuses, went on exhibit in the Tentacles special exhibition yesterday after they were gathered March 17 down in the Monterey submarine canyon, with the help of independent partner organization the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute.

Some will recognize the amazing organism as the same species that inspired Pearl in Finding Nemo.

Few can tell you much about them, or find clear ways to describe its baffling shape.

The little red members of the cirrate octopuses family are the latest outcome of a partnership between MBARI, who does the exploring and collecting, and the Aquarium, which handles the caregiving and exhibiting. 

For more insight on flapjack octopi, check out the Aquarium's Tumblr blog.

For a peek at a periscope recording of the little guys, check out MBA's Katch Me feed.

Aquarium spokespersons add that, like many cephalopods, flapjack octopuses can be fragile, so visitors are encouraged to visit and check out the creature sooner rather than later.