Extremely Rare Jellyfish Spotted for Only the Second Time in History
Scientists have had the privilege of observing an extremely rare jellyfish that has only been seen once before, in 1909. The Halitrephes Maasi jellyfish was spotted by the Exploration Vessel Nautilus in the waters near the Revillagigedo Archipelago off the coast of Mexico. The jellyfish has a unique appearance, with a bright purple bell-shaped body and long, thin tentacles that extend outward. The tentacles are covered in tiny, sticky structures called nematocysts, which are used to capture prey. Scientists have been studying the jellyfish to better understand its behavior and ecology. They have also been collecting samples to study its genetics and determine how it is related to other species of jellyfish. According to Dr. Rebecca Helm, a jellyfish expert at the University of North Carolina, the discovery of the Halitrephes Maasi jellyfish is exciting because it provides a rare opportunity to learn more about a species that has been rarely observed. The Nautilus team has been exploring the waters around the Revillagigedo Archipelago as part of a three-month expedition to study deep-sea ecosystems. The expedition is using a remotely operated vehicle to explore the depths of the ocean and document the creatures that live there.
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