"The specimen observed was described as being approximately the size of a school bus."
Rare Giant Phantom Jellyfish Documented Off Argentina
Scientists from the Schmidt Ocean Institute have documented a rare giant phantom jellyfish (Stygiomedusa gigantea) off the coast of Argentina. The discovery was made by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) exploring the Colorado-Rawson submarine canyon wall at a depth of 820 feet (250 meters).
Characteristics of the Giant Phantom Jellyfish
Stygiomedusa gigantea is a deep-sea species that can grow to a diameter of over 3 feet (1 meter), with four ribbon-like oral arms extending up to 33 feet (10 meters) in length.
The species does not possess stinging tentacles; instead, it uses its long oral arms to capture prey such as plankton and small fish, guiding them toward its mouth. The giant phantom jellyfish is believed to inhabit every ocean except the Arctic, residing at depths up to 22,000 feet. Only about 118 sightings of this species have been recorded over the past 110 years.
Additional Marine Discoveries
During the same expedition, the Schmidt Ocean Institute team identified 28 suspected new species, including various worms, anemones, corals, and sea urchins. The team also discovered several extensive reef systems, including the world's largest known Bathelia candida coral reef.
"The collected samples will be crucial for understanding the connections within these waters for years to come."
Dr. Melisa Fernández Severini of the Instituto Argentino de OceanografĂa and CONICET emphasized the extraordinary yet vulnerable nature of these extreme ecosystems, noting that the samples will be vital for future research.