Witness the awe-inspiring sight of a colossal phantom jellyfish, measuring the size of a school bus, captured in breathtaking deep-sea footage. This extraordinary discovery, made by scientists from the Schmidt Ocean Institute, has left them in awe. The jellyfish, known as Stygiomedusa gigantea, was found lurking in the sunless depths of the Colorado-Rawson submarine canyon wall, an astonishing 820 feet below the surface. With a bell spanning over 3 feet across and a length of over 20 feet, this rare species is a true marvel of the deep sea.
The mesmerizing footage, captured by the ROV SuBastian, showcases the jellyfish's graceful movements as it contracts and extends its undulating, ribbon-like tendrils, resembling an aquatic ballet. Despite its immense size, this jellyfish is a gentle giant, using its four ribbon-like oral arms to gently guide plankton and small fish towards its mouth, rather than stinging them. This unique feeding behavior adds to the mystery and intrigue surrounding these creatures.
The Schmidt Ocean Institute's expedition revealed more than just this extraordinary jellyfish. They documented 28 suspected new species, including worms and anemones, and discovered several rich reef systems, including the largest-known Bathelia candidacoral reef in the world. Dr. Melisa Fernández Severini of the Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía and CONICET emphasized the significance of their findings, stating that the collected samples will provide valuable insights into the connections within our waters for years to come, shedding light on the vulnerability of these extreme ecosystems.
