According to a new study, Jellyfish Discovered cruise liner passengers exploring the depths of Antarctica in submersibles had a breathtaking encounter with a massive phantom Jellyfish gliding through the icy waters.
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Massive Alien-Like Phantom Jellyfish Discovered in Icy Depths of Antarctica
Cruise liner passengers exploring the frigid waters of Antarctica had a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with a giant phantom jellyfish—an elusive deep-sea predator that looks like a UFO with flowing ribbons trailing from its body. According to a new study, these rare and otherworldly creatures were spotted in early 2022 by guests aboard a submersible operated by the cruise line Viking.
The giant phantom jellyfish (Stygiomedusa gigantea) is one of the largest invertebrate predators in the deep sea. Researchers estimated that the jellyfish seen during the expedition measured over 16 feet (5 meters) long, with one stretching an astonishing 33 feet (10 meters). The sighting, now detailed in a study published on January 30 in the journal Polar Research, adds to the very few documented encounters with this mysterious species.
These jellyfish typically reside thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface, making sightings extremely rare. However, the submersibles used by Viking’s passengers provided a unique opportunity to witness these deep-sea giants in their natural habitat. The researchers believe that this encounter, along with future expeditions, could offer valuable insights into the species and its role in the deep-sea ecosystem.
With its eerie, otherworldly appearance and ghostly movements, the giant phantom jellyfish remains one of the ocean’s most mysterious creatures. Each new sighting brings scientists one step closer to unlocking the secrets of this deep-sea enigma.
A second giant phantom jellyfish spotted by the Viking team. (Image credit: Mark Niesink)
Giant phantom jellyfish are found in every ocean except the Arctic, yet they remain one of the most elusive creatures on Earth due to their preference for deep, uncharted waters. In a groundbreaking new study, researchers describe direct observations of three of these massive jellyfish during submersible dives off the Antarctic Peninsula—an incredibly rare opportunity to witness them up close.
“On every sighting, the jellyfish appeared to be swimming slowly, gently pulsing its bell for propulsion,” said Daniel Moore, the study’s lead author. “They showed no inclination toward the submersible’s lights or any reaction to our presence.”
The jellyfish were observed at depths of 260 feet (80 meters), 285 feet (87 meters), and 920 feet (280 meters). While giant phantom jellyfish typically dwell at extreme depths below 3,280 feet (1,000 meters), they are sometimes found at shallower levels in the Southern Ocean. Scientists are still uncertain why they venture closer to the surface in Antarctic waters.
Moore suggests one possible reason could be that these jellyfish expose themselves to ultraviolet radiation to eliminate parasites. Another theory is that the strong upwelling currents around Antarctica naturally carry them upward. Understanding why these deep-sea giants appear in relatively shallow waters could provide valuable insights into their behavior and role in the marine ecosystem.
With each new sighting, researchers inch closer to unraveling the mysteries of the giant phantom jellyfish—one of the ocean’s most ghostly and enigmatic inhabitants.
A Viking expedition submarine (Image credit: Viking)
The growing popularity of Antarctic cruises has sparked controversy, as the extreme environment poses significant risks to passengers. On February 2, the U.S. Coast Guard announced that it had joined international partners in investigating a series of incidents involving U.S. citizens on Antarctic passenger vessels. Between November 15 and December 1, 2022, four people lost their lives, and others suffered injuries while traveling in these remote, icy waters.
Among the incidents under investigation is the tragic death of a passenger aboard the Viking Polaris, operated by Viking, after the ship was struck by a massive wave.
The U.S. Coast Guard has classified the Antarctic as a “unique high-risk” environment and is working to improve marine safety to prevent similar tragedies. The waters surrounding the continent are notoriously unpredictable, and history is filled with tales of explorers who perished in their attempts to navigate this harsh, unforgiving region.
As Antarctic tourism continues to rise, safety concerns remain at the forefront, highlighting the challenges of bringing luxury travel to one of the most remote and dangerous places on Earth.