Amazing Looking Jellyfish Discovered Near Mariana Trench
Posted on May 3, 2016
Scientists discovered this beautiful jellyfish while exploring the Enigma Seamount near the Mariana Trench. It was discovered by scientists aboard the Okeanos Explorer using the Deep Discoverer remotely operated vehicle. The jellyfish was spotted floating by at a depth of 3,700 meters. The Okeanos Explorer has been exploring deepwater environments in the region since April 20th and will continue through July 10, 2016.
The scientists say the new species of hydromedusa belongs to the genus Crossota. It has two sets of tentacles. One set is long and the other set is short. The researchers say the jellyfish is in "ambush mode" because long tentacles are even and extended outward while the bell is motionless.
The following video footage of the jellyfish was recorded. The researchers note in the YouTube entry that the bright yellow objects in the jellyfish's bell are probably its gonads. Take a look
Okeanos also encountered a Crossota genus jellyfish during its Mona Canyon dive last year, see here. It discovered a ghostlike octopus species earlier this in the deep water off Hawaii.