Stunning Footage: Mysterious ‘Phantom’ Creature Captured Swimming Beneath Antarctic Waters | Explore the Wonders of Wildlife

Earlier this year, a massive iceberg, about 209 square miles (510 square kilometers), broke away from the George VI Ice Shelf near the Antarctic Peninsula. This event opened a new area of ocean for exploration, allowing scientists from the Schmidt Ocean Institute to dive in.

On January 25, the team reached the newly exposed seafloor with their remote-operated vehicle, ROV SuBastian. They were eager to explore this untouched ecosystem. Dr. Patricia Esquete, a co-chief scientist, expressed surprise at the rich life they found. “We didn’t expect to find such a beautiful, thriving ecosystem,” she said. Many of the animal communities observed could have been there for decades or even centuries.

The scientists discovered a variety of fascinating creatures, including icefish, octopuses, and giant sea spiders. One of the most extraordinary finds was the first footage of a glacial glass squid. Another highlight was the giant phantom jelly (Stygiomedusa gigantea), which can be incredibly large. Its bell can surpass one meter (3.3 feet) in diameter, and its long ‘oral arms’ can stretch over ten meters (33 feet).

This unusual jellyfish stands out with its ghostly, translucent appearance and lacks the typical tentacles found in many jellyfish. Instead, it uses its arms to catch food. Although first collected in 1899, its species wasn’t confirmed until 60 years later. Experts have observed it fewer than 150 times, mainly with deep-sea ROVs like SuBastian.

The expedition occurred at a unique site in the Bellingshausen Sea, where the ocean floor features underwater gullies. This location’s rich biodiversity reflects the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. Recent studies indicate that polar regions are warming faster than other parts of the planet, putting pressure on species and habitats. Exploring these areas is essential to understanding how they adapt and survive in the changing environment.

As scientists continue to push the boundaries of marine exploration, they uncover not just new species but also vital information about ocean health. Each discovery contributes to a larger picture, informing conservation efforts worldwide. You can find more about similar wildlife stories from around the globe that showcase the amazing diversity of life in our oceans.

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