Deep-sea marvel: Giant jellyfish found beneath Antarctic ice
Scientists have discovered a rare deep-sea predator beneath the ice of Antarctica. Stygiomedusa gigantea, known as the giant jellyfish, amazed researchers with its size.
Key information
- This discovery occurred under the ice of Antarctica.
- Stygiomedusa gigantea is a rare deep-sea predator.
- The SuBastian submersible mission uncovered abundant marine life.
While exploring a newly exposed section of the Antarctic seafloor, researchers encountered an extremely rare deep-sea predator. Stygiomedusa gigantea, also referred to as the giant phantom jelly, impressed scientists with its remarkable size and mysterious appearance.
Giant phantom jelly
Stygiomedusa gigantea is a scyphozoan with a bell diameter exceeding 3 feet, and its arms can reach lengths of up to 33 feet. Although often referred to as a jellyfish, this is only one stage of this species' development. Its natural habitat is the deep ocean, where it can acquire a red hue due to light exposure.
The discovery took place during the mission of the SuBastian submersible, which dived to a depth of 4,265 feet. Not only was Stygiomedusa gigantea recorded during this expedition, but numerous anemones, sponges, cephalopods, and crustaceans were also observed. However, the appearance of the mysterious scyphozoan attracted the most attention from the researchers.
Rarely seen deep-sea inhabitant
Until now, Stygiomedusa gigantea had only been observed in Antarctic waters at depths of up to 919 feet. However, its actual range may be much broader. Despite its size, it is not the largest known scyphozoan.
The data collected during the expedition may significantly expand the understanding of the mysterious life of deep-sea cnidarians. Their existence remains largely elusive, and discoveries like this contribute to a better comprehension of these extraordinary creatures.
