Robot submarine captures elusive phantom jellyfish: images show the reddish animal 11 meters long
A rare 11-meter-long phantom jellyfish was captured on camera by a robot submarine in the waters of Argentina.
An elusive phantom jellyfish, measuring 11 meters in length, was recorded by a remote-operated vehicle (ROV) in the ocean off the coast of Argentina. Known for its ghostly appearance, the jellyfish is dark red and lacks stinging tentacles, instead possessing fleshy arms that extend from its body like curtains. This fascinating creature, scientifically known as Stygiomedusa gigantea, is one of the world's most mysterious animals, with only about 130 sightings reported since the first specimen was described in 1910.
The recordings were made using the ROV named SuBastian, which is designed to explore deep-sea environments while transmitting video footage in 4K resolution. The unique appearance of this jellyfish has even led to comparisons of its size to that of a school bus, illustrating its remarkable scale and the rarity of its occurrences. The findings provide critical insights into the biology of these elusive creatures, which often inhabit the depths of our oceans, remaining hidden from human interaction.
Discovering such a rare creature highlights the importance of technological advancements in marine biology and ocean exploration. The use of such sophisticated equipment allows researchers to document and study rare marine life that might otherwise go unnoticed. As scientists continue to investigate the mysteries of the deep sea, each new sighting contributes to our understanding of biodiversity and the ecological significance of these enigmatic organisms.