Rare Giant Phantom Jellyfish and a Well-Preserved Whale Skeleton Spotted Off the Coast of Argentina

Initially setting out to explore the cold springs of the depths of the South Atlantic Ocean, near the Argentinian coast, the scientists stumbled upon an ecosystem teeming with life.

The team aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute R/V Falkor (also) traveled along the Argentine continental shelf, from Buenos Aires to Tierra del Fuego, sending their remotely operated vehicle (ROV) SubBastien approximately 12,700 feet deep and describing the largest coral reef formed by cold water coral Bathelia candida known to date.

While traversing the pitch-black ocean underworld, a giant ghost jellyfish – the rare red-brown “ghost of the deep” – appeared, alongside a variety of underwater creatures such as worms, sea urchins, snails, anemones and corals, 28 of which are believed to be never-before-seen species.

“We did not expect to see such a level of biodiversity in Argentina’s deep waters and we are very happy to see them teeming with life,” said María Emilia Bravo, a researcher from the University of Buenos Aires and CONICET, as well as the expedition’s chief scientist, in a press release.

Learn more: Brainless jellyfish need rest like humans and reveal the evolutionary purpose of sleep

Rare sightings 12,700 feet below the waves

This week, the Schmidt Ocean Institute shared stunning images from its latest South Atlantic expedition. In particular, one of the most elusive ocean creatures, the giant ghost jellyfish (Stygiomedusa gigantea), suddenly appears in front of SubBastienthe screen about 800 feet away. Although its bell and stingless tentacles can reach up to 35 feet, making it one of the largest invertebrates in the ocean, it is rarely seen.

The team also discovered Argentina’s first deep-water whale fall, at nearly 13,000 feet. Whale remains provide the ideal food source for small animals, providing nutrients in an otherwise scarce environment and building ecosystems that can last for decades. Another discovery involves ancient bubblegum coral gardens, identified by large, bright pink tree-like structures nearly 10,000 feet below the waterline in the Falklands Trench near Tierra del Fuego. Many other discoveries have been made, revealing the rich and still under-explored biodiversity of the deep sea.

“We have collected an unprecedented number of chemical, physical and biological samples that will be used to understand the connections in our waters in the years to come,” said Melisa Fernández Severini of the Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía and CONICET, in the release. “These samples represent a unique opportunity to understand not only how extraordinary these extreme ecosystems are, but also how vulnerable they can be. »

A reef almost the size of the Vatican

While the team’s main goal was to look for cold seeps — seafloor vents expelling methane and hydrogen sulfide, chemicals that can support entire ecosystems by nourishing chemosynthetic microorganisms — they instead came across a vast, cold-water stony coral reef almost the size of the Vatican.

Although B. candidathe type of coral of which the reef is mainly composed, has been observed throughout the southwest Atlantic Ocean. This is the largest area ever discovered. Given that these reefs indicate vulnerable marine ecosystems and support a variety of underwater species, this is a promising discovery.

They also achieved what they came for. The research team identified a 250-acre active cold seep, covered in clams. These chemosynthetic ecosystems and their interactions with local coral reefs are still poorly understood and remain an active subject of the team’s research.

Discover the vast biodiversity of the oceans, one step at a time

Unfortunately, even in the most remote regions of the Earth, humanity leaves its traces. Abandoned fishing gear, trash bags – and even a VHS tape with Korean letters – were seen by the researchers during their explorations.

Nonetheless, the Argentine team remains vibrant, fueled by its recent marvelous discoveries and a reminder of the abundance of life in our oceans.

“Seeing all the biodiversity, ecosystem functions and connectivity unfolding together was incredible,” Bravo said. “We opened a window on the biodiversity of our country and we realized that there were still many other windows to open. »

Schmidt Ocean Institute Executive Director Jyotika Virmani added in the release: “We have had the privilege of working with exceptional scientists during three expeditions to Argentinian waters and we look forward to seeing their research continue to develop, paving the way for new knowledge and inspiration. »

Learn more: Coral reefs do more than build habitat: they organize microbial life

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