 |
Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning EU Network of Excellence |
|
 |
| |
Photo Gallery Giant phantom jelly - Stygiomedusa gigantea
Description Out of the darkness of the ocean’s midnight zone, MBARI’s remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Doc Ricketts spots a billowing crimson curtain. Moving in for a closer look, the submersible’s lights reveal the giant phantom jelly (Stygiomedusa gigantea). The bell of this deep-sea denizen is more than one meter (3.3 feet) across and trails four ribbon-like oral (or mouth) arms that can grow to more than 10 meters (33 feet) in length. MBARI’s ROVs have logged thousands of dives, yet we have only seen this spectacular species nine times.The first specimen of the giant phantom jelly was collected in 1899, but it was not until 60 years later that scientists recognized this as a new species. Even now, scientists still know very little about this animal. MBARI’s observations of Stygiomedusa gigantea have helped illuminate its ecological role in the ocean’s depths. During an expedition to the Gulf of California, MBARI’s ROV Tiburon recorded a fish—the pelagic brotula (Thalassobathia pelagica)—alongside a giant phantom jelly. Researchers watched the brotula hover above the bell of its host and swim in and out of the jelly’s voluminous oral arms. The wide-open waters of the midnight zone offer little shelter, so many creatures find refuge in the gelatinous animals that are abundant in this environment. · Click here to return to the thumbnails overview Disclaimer: MarBEF does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at our species gallery. However, if you come across any misidentifications, spelling mistakes or low quality pictures, your comments would be very much appreciated. We will correct the information or remove the image from the website when necessary or in case of doubt © Copyright Notice To download: Acknowledge photographer (and copyright if different) when using these pictures in publications or web sites. VLIZ does not have copyright for these pictures, unless for those where it is explicitly stated. Click here for complete Copyright Notice. To upload: By uploading a picture you declare you have the right to do so. Please give as much information on the picture as possible; minimum requirement is photographer and/or copyright holder. Click here for complete Copyright Notice. | |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | Web site hosted and maintained by Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) - Contact data-at-marbef.org |
