Experts Stumble on a Giant ‘Phantom’ With Ribbon-Like ‘Oral Arms’ Swimming Over the Seafloor in Antarctica
Antarctica is one of the most expansive ecosystems in the world. However, analyzing the place is difficult for researchers due to factors like extreme temperature and intense ice sheets. However, some unique incidents allow experts to get a glimpse of what goes on underneath the ice. One of these events happened with the George VI Ice Shelf, according to Discover Wildlife.
In January, a massive iceberg calved out of the George VI Ice Shelf, which exposed the seafloor. Schmidt Ocean Institute's Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) SuBastian soon reached close to the ice shelf and began investigating. Researchers uncovered many lifeforms, like giant sea spiders, octopuses, and icefish. The most worthy of these discoveries was the giant phantom jelly (Stygiomedusa gigantea). Seeing the creature float in the area was valuable for experts because the creature has been spotted only around 150 times by researchers worldwide. The first specimen was collected in 1899, but it took 60 more years to be determined as a species.
The giant phantom jelly appears to be translucent, with some claiming that it looks like a ghost. The creature stands apart from other jellyfish because they uses their arms rather than tentacles to attack their prey.
ROV SuBastian spotted the creature in the Bellingshausen Sea off Antarctica, according to Schmidt Ocean Institute. In this region, the shelf break as well as slopes appeared to have been cut off by multiple underwater gullies.
The creature's bell measures around three feet in size, while its four lace-like arms can extend up to 33 feet, according to Free The Ocean. Based on where these creatures have been spotted to date, some experts speculate that they live in the midnight zone. This region is present 3,300 to 13,100 feet below the surface. Since no sunlight reaches this area, the place remains in perpetual darkness.
The creature has now been spotted in all major oceans, except the Arctic Ocean. Sightings like the one captured by SuBastian indicate that the species is much more widespread than once believed. Despite this, not a lot of data is available on them. Schmidt Ocean Institute has assured the public that despite the creature's ghostly appearance, they do not pose a huge danger. Researchers have spotted the creature acting as a haven for other smaller creatures during times of stress. During an expedition in the Gulf of California, experts spotted a pelagic brotula coming in and out of the giant phantom jelly's arms.
Researchers believe that there is a mutually beneficial relationship between the giant phantom jelly and the pelagic brotula. If the former is providing protection, the latter is removing parasites from the giant phantom jelly. Another distinct feature which sets it apart from other of its kind, is the way these creatures achieve motherhood. Young ones of the giant phantom jelly detach from inside the adult's hood and exit through their mouths.
These sightings provide more insights into the creature's lifestyle. Researchers are hopeful that such information will aid authorities in forming methodologies to protect the creature, as several organizations are looking towards the deep sea for more resources.