Scientists have managed to record a rare image of a “ghost jellyfish” in the depths of Monterey, California. According to the New York Post, the animal, which appears to be wearing some kind of hat, was spotted by a remote-controlled high-tech vehicle at a depth of about 1km.
The jellyfish, belonging to the species Stygiomedusa gigantea, is 10 meters long and has a dark purple appearance.
Among its quirks, it is the “arm-to-mouth” that most attracts scientists’ attention. Unlike other animals in its category, the animal carries small prey to the oral cavity by entangling them with “ribbons” hanging from its body.
Image: Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
This species is still quite mysterious to experts: Besides being rare, it is only found in the deep parts of the sea. The recording was taken a year ago by the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Research Institute and has been recently reviewed by other researchers.
The giant ghost jellyfish was first collected in 1899. Since then, scientists have encountered this animal about 100 times.
“This species appears to have a worldwide distribution and has been recorded in all ocean basins except the Arctic. Difficulties in accessing its depths contribute to the relative scarcity for such a large and widely spread species,” the institute said.
Encountering jellyfish was only possible with the use of a Remote Operated Vehicle (VOR). Considered a great development for scientists, the submarine makes it possible to study living things at great depths without the need for trawlers.
source: Noticias
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.