Scientists have made an exciting discovery in the deep sea off the coast of Argentina. A rare phantom jellyfish, known as Stygiomedusa gigantea, has been spotted and filmed by researchers.
Phantom Jellyfish Sighting Details
This giant phantom jellyfish was observed 250 meters beneath the surface of the South Atlantic Ocean. The sighting was documented by the Schmidt Ocean Institute, which is dedicated to exploring the ocean’s depths.
Characteristics of Stygiomedusa gigantea
The giant phantom jellyfish is notable for its impressive size. It can grow up to 1 meter (approximately 3.3 feet) in diameter. Its long arms can extend up to 10 meters (33 feet) in length.
These jellyfish have four arms that resemble long pink ribbons. Interestingly, these arms are not stinging tentacles. Instead, they are used to capture prey, which consists mainly of fish and plankton.
Discoveries Beyond the Phantom Jellyfish
In addition to the jellyfish, the research team encountered 28 potential new species during their exploration. These include:
- Corals
- Sea urchins
- Sea anemones
This discovery highlights the rich biodiversity that remains hidden in the ocean’s depths, further emphasizing the importance of deep-sea research.
