Discovery of 11-Meter Ghost Jellyfish in Argentina

A remarkable sighting of a ghost jellyfish, specifically the Stygiomedusa gigantea, occurred during an oceanographic exploration off the Argentine coast. This specimen, measuring 11 meters, was documented at a depth of 253 meters by a team aboard the R/V Falkor during a campaign led by Conicet and the University of Buenos Aires. The discovery adds critical data to marine biodiversity, as this jellyfish has only been recorded approximately 130 times globally since its first description in 1910.

The significance of this finding emphasizes the urgency of continuing research into the deep ocean. In addition to the jellyfish sighting, the team documented a whale fall at a depth of 3,890 meters and discovered previously unknown biological communities. This underscores Argentina’s rich yet underexplored marine biodiversity, highlighting the importance of preserving and studying these ecosystems for future research and conservation efforts.