Rare Creature Spotted (on Video!) in the Deep Seas

The giant phantom jellyfish, one of the largest jellyfish in the world, was just spotted and recorded in Monterey Bay, California: the truly giant jellies have arms that reach lengths of 33 feet, and bodies that can be up to three feet wide. 

This mysterious jellyfish is not seen often, as it lives 21,900 feet below the surface in the midnight – or bathypelagic zone – of the ocean where no sunlight reaches. Due to these depths, observing sea life in these zones is often made possible using a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV). 

Unlike other marine life, capturing a jellyfish in a net for observational purposes is not ideal. The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) explains that “jellyfish disintegrate into gelatinous goo in trawl nets,” further emphasizing the importance of observing these creatures from a distance. Luckily, the MBARI was able to record footage of the giant jellyfish using an ROV, aiding in a better understanding of the giant phantom jelly while simultaneously capturing a fascinating video of this elusive creature.