During a recent research expedition, scientists from the Schmidt Ocean Institute discovered a rare giant phantom jellyfish floating in the deep sea off the coast of Argentina. The scientific name of the species is Stygiomedusa Gigantea, and these creatures can grow up to one meter (3.3 ft) in diameter. Its arms, which resemble long pink ribbons, are used by the jellyfish to capture prey and can reach up to 10 meters (33 ft) in length.
The video showing the jellyfish was filmed 250 meters (820 ft) below the surface in the South Atlantic Ocean. The researchers also found 28 potential new species, such as corals, sea urchins, and sea anemones.
Indeed, jellyfish are some of the weirdest-looking creatures on Earth. Translucent, weightless, and wobbly, they float silently in seas all over the world, lying in wait for their prey (or an unfortunate human who happens to cross their path). They come in a startling array of colors, and many are bioluminescent, glowing brightly in the depths of the ocean.
There's no doubt that jellyfish would look more at home in space than they do on Earth, and, in fact, thousands of jellyfish have gone to space! Click on to learn more about these magical creatures and see the full spectrum of their beauty.