In late December of last year, a remotely operated vehicle descended into the Atlantic waters off the coast of Argentina and unexpectedly captured the image of a giant phantom jellyfish (Stygiomedusa gigantea) at a depth of approximately 250 meters. The moment was filled with excitement and disbelief, according to marine biologist María Emilia Bravo from the University of Buenos Aires, who led the dive as part of a research expedition operated by the Schmidt Ocean Institute. The findings were disclosed on the last day of January.

Bravo expressed her surprise at the presence of this creature in such an extreme environment, as the long tentacles of the jellyfish posed challenges for the operators of the underwater vehicle in maneuvering. This encounter not only stirred curiosity among the researchers, who aimed to learn more about the jellyfish and document its characteristics effectively but also highlighted the mysteries of deep-sea life. The giant phantom jellyfish was first collected in 1899, and its species recognition has been rare over the years.

The sighting of this elusive species has raised interest in oceanic research and sparked discussions about the biodiversity of the deep Atlantic, where many unknown species may still be waiting to be discovered. This finding could contribute to a greater understanding of ocean ecosystems and the adaptations of marine species in extreme environments, emphasizing the importance of continued exploration and conservation efforts in the face of environmental challenges.