Remarkable Discovery Off Argentina's Coast
Scientists from the Schmidt Ocean Institute have made a significant discovery off the coast of Argentina: a large Stygiomedusa gigantea, commonly known as a giant phantom jellyfish. The find was made by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) exploring the Colorado-Rawson submarine canyon wall at a depth of 820 feet.
Giant Phantom Jellyfish Characteristics
The Stygiomedusa gigantea is a remarkably rare species. It can grow over 20 feet long, with a bell measuring more than 3 feet across. The specimen observed during the expedition was described as being approximately the size of a school bus.
Only about 118 sightings of this species have been recorded over 110 years.
This elusive creature is believed to inhabit every ocean except the Arctic, residing at depths up to 22,000 feet. Unlike many other jellyfish, the giant phantom jellyfish does not sting. Instead, it employs four ribbon-like oral arms to capture prey, such as plankton and small fish, guiding them towards its mouth.
Additional Marine Discoveries
The Schmidt Ocean Institute team's expedition yielded further remarkable findings. They identified 28 suspected new species, including various worms and anemones. Additionally, the team discovered several extensive reef systems, notably the world's largest known Bathelia candida coral reef.
Dr. Melisa Fernández Severini of Instituto Argentino de OceanografĂa and CONICET underscored the importance of these discoveries, stating that the collected samples will be crucial for understanding the connections within these waters for years to come. She emphasized the extraordinary yet vulnerable nature of these extreme ecosystems.