Rare Phantom Jellyfish Amazes Scientists Off Argentina

A rare phantom jellyfish, Stygiomedusa gigantea, has been sighted in the deep waters off Argentina's coast. This remarkable discovery occurred approximately 250 meters below the surface of the South Atlantic Ocean. Scientists on an expedition along the Argentine coastline were astonished by the encounter with the gelatinous giant.

The Stygiomedusa gigantea is known for its immense size. Its bell can reach up to 1 meter in diameter, with four ribbon-like arms extending up to 10 meters long. These arms are used for catching prey, such as plankton and small fish, rather than stinging. The jellyfish was observed contracting and extending these tendrils in the deep ocean, as recorded by an autonomous submersible.

This expedition, led by scientists from the Schmidt Ocean Institute and the University of Buenos Aires, revealed a surprising level of biodiversity in the Argentine deep sea. Dr. Maria Emilia Bravo, the expedition's chief scientist, expressed excitement over the vibrant ecosystem. Alongside the phantom jellyfish, researchers identified what may be the largest known coral reef in the global ocean.

The exploration also led to the documentation of numerous potential new species, including worms, corals, sea urchins, sea snails, and sea anemones. Researchers collected extensive chemical, physical, and biological samples. These samples are anticipated to provide valuable insights into the connections within these waters for years to come, highlighting both the extraordinary nature and vulnerability of these extreme ecosystems.