An extraordinary deep-sea sighting: The giant phantom jelly

This ghostly giant is a rare sight. But in November 2021, MBARI researchers spotted this giant phantom jelly (Stygiomedusa gigantea) with the ROV Doc Ricketts 990 meters (3,200 feet) deep in Monterey Bay. 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 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 giant phantom jelly was first collected in 1899. Since then, scientists have only encountered this animal about 100 times. It appears to have a worldwide distribution and has been recorded in all ocean basins except for the Arctic. The challenges of accessing its deep-water habitat contribute to the relative scarcity of sightings for such a large and broadly distributed species.

Historically, scientists relied on trawl nets to study deep-sea animals. These nets can be effective for studying hardy animals such as fishes, crustaceans, and squids, but jellies turn to gelatinous goo in trawl nets. The cameras on MBARI’s ROVs have allowed MBARI researchers to study these animals intact in their natural environment. High-definition—and now 4K—video of the giant phantom jelly captures stunning details about the animal’s appearance and behaviors that scientists would not have been able to see with a trawl-caught specimen.

Editor: Kyra Schlining
Music: Calm Space (MotionArray)

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[grimace]

For all we say about the internet, it’s such a blessing to be able to witness these truly amazing things.

[datyeen]

The fact that this is an actual living creature that really exists on our planet just goes to show you that real life sometimes *can* compare to fantasy

[googplusisawful]

it looks *just* like a flowing dress/fabric and thats so amazing to me! gorgeous!

[wesleywatson]

Really makes you think of all the extinct undiscovered species that couldn’t fossilize. I wonder how unique they could have been!

[Tempest-jcme]

"Phantom" is such an appropriate description. Those black folds make it look both beautiful and haunting.

[tentacle_knight]

I'm amazed you guys found one. I find it so crazy how this jellyfish was only was seen around 100 times in history, so the fact we're even seeing this is pretty amazing. Truly a fascinating species.

[prestigekngs]

Absolutely stunning. The last shot was just magnificent. It seems like it put itself on full display, Seemingly as soft as silk and just dancing with the water currents. So natural and effortless as it just glides along.

[sergoogle]

Never thought I'd see something so majestic yet terrifying looking and here we are lol

[ambientmusicclub-calmingre]

There's some parts where the jelly fish looks like a top hat and scarf flowing so beautiful. I can't imagine how many other creatures are in the ocean that we haven't seen or discovered yet.

[thecentralscrutinizer]

You don't need to go to space to find aliens, just look deep in the oceans. Amazing.

[hiddeninja]

this dudes a whole ass set of curtains

[plvtnvm]

"Water Dementor" comes to mind. This is an absolutely stunning creature!

[elevationsickness]

How crazy is it that we live in a time where we can see something that beautiful and rare just by sitting at home. Thank you for the amazing work you all do God bless!

[Thisratisrockin]

I like how you can imagine it as any size, like just picture a tiny person swimming by it and suddenly it’s a leviathan

[ericdravenXX]

Absolutely Amazing! Seeing rare aquatic life existing like this is just unreal.. I think its really cool that Creatures of are planet also have their own way of making you pay attention when setting your eyes on them..

[hscollier]

It is beautiful. It’s also hard to tell it’s “giant” without having a sense of scale.

[hayleycameron]

It’s so captivating and beautiful. Imagine what other creatures like it could be out there!

[robertrusnak]

I’ve been a diver for almost 40 years and have thousands of hours underwater. I’ve seen lots of weird things, some of which I can’t explain but this is awesomely crazy.

[stacyvolek]

Such a beautiful creature! Reminds me of a flowing chiffon gown, so delicate! ❤

[VASLEE]

That is incredible it looks like a grey bed sheet over a lamp knowing that it’s real is what blows you away, such simplicity yet graceful in its movement