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Scientists Film Rare Giant Phantom Jellyfish
Scientists film the rare giant phantom jellyfish alive off Argentina, providing new insights on deep-sea biodiversity. The species is observed about 250 metres below the South Atlantic surface.
Giant Phantom Jellyfish (Stygiomedusa gigantea):
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Common name | Giant phantom jellyfish |
| Scientific name | Stygiomedusa gigantea |
| Genus | Stygiomedusa |
| Discovery and recognition | First collected in 1899; recognised as a distinct species 60 years later |
| Habitat | Midnight zone; deep-sea layer up to 13,000 feet; lives in extreme, low-food conditions |
| Distribution | South Atlantic off Argentina, including deep waters around Patagonia; rarely documented in other oceans globally |
| Size and morphology | Comprises one of the largest jellyfish species; bell up to 3 feet (1 m) in diameter; ribbon-like arms up to 30 feet (10 m) long |
| Feeding method and diet | Uses long ribbon-like arms to catch plankton and small fish; feeds by reeling prey into its mouth using long arms |
| Behaviour | Provides shelter to smaller fish in the deep sea |
| Symbiotic interaction | Maintains symbiotic relationships with fish species that feed on its parasites, including pelagic brotula and Centrolophus species |
| Uniqueness | Rare deep-sea species; rarely seen alive; elusive in nature |
| Ecological significance | Highlights deep-sea biodiversity and provides for emphasis on conserving extreme ocean ecosystems |