A brand new species of elasmosaur named Traskasaura sandrae has been identified from three specimens found on Vancouver Island.
Giant Phantom Jelly (Stygiomedusa gigantea)
Where it lives: Every ocean except the Arctic
What it eats: Plankton and small fish
Why it’s awesome: It’s one of the ocean’s most mysterious giants.
Earth’s oceans are home to countless strange and secretive creatures—but few are as elusive or spectacular as the giant phantom jelly. This deep-sea marvel boasts a bell measuring over 3 feet (1 meter) wide and four long, ribbon-like arms that can stretch up to 33 feet (10 meters). That makes it one of the largest invertebrate predators in the ocean.
Despite its impressive size, sightings are incredibly rare. Since the first specimen was collected in 1899 and described in 1910, the species has only been observed about 120 times. That’s because these jellies typically dwell in the dark depths of the ocean, descending as far as 22,000 feet (6,700 meters)—far beyond the reach of sunlight.
Their soft, compressible bodies allow them to withstand the crushing pressures of these depths. Yet in 2022, scientists were surprised to spot giant phantom jellies swimming at shallower depths—between 260 and 920 feet (80 to 280 meters)—in Antarctic waters. Researchers believe that in high southern latitudes, seasonal changes in sunlight may drive prey closer to the surface, and the jellies follow.
Not Your Average Jellyfish
Unlike most jellyfish, giant phantom jellies lack stinging tentacles. Instead, they use their flowing arms to wrap around prey, capturing plankton and small fish and pulling them toward their mouths.
They also give birth to live young—a trait called viviparity. The young develop inside the parent’s hood and are eventually released through the mouth, an unusual method among jellyfish.
Glowing Ghosts of the Deep
In the rare moments when light reaches them, these jellies emit a dim orange-red glow, thanks to bioluminescence—light produced through chemical reactions in their bodies. Scientists don’t yet know the purpose of this glow, but it may help with communication, defense, or attracting prey or mates. Interestingly, red light doesn’t travel far in deep water, so the glow may also help the jelly stay hidden from predators.
Oceanic Guardians
While they are typically solitary, giant phantom jellies aren’t completely alone. During an expedition in the Gulf of California, scientists observed small fish, like the pelagic brotula (Thalassobathia pelagica), taking shelter beneath a giant phantom jelly. These fish appeared to pick off parasites from the jelly’s body—a potential case of mutualism, where both species benefit.