Update: Multiple media reports seemed to suggest this jellyfish is a new species. We asked the NOAA and this is their response:
Michael Ford, NOAA oceanographer and jelly expert, is confident the jellyfish is of the genus Crossota. Its physical attributes and depth at which it was sighted (~3,700 meters) are consistent with Crossota. We saw a similar hydromedusa from the genus Crossota in our 2015 expedition around Puerto Rico.
It is not likely a new species, but additional analysis is required to know for sure. It exhibits similar characteristics to Crossota millsae, but we cannot say for certain without further research.
A jellyfish was discovered 12,000 deep in the waters of the Pacific Ocean near the Mariana Islands on April 24.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ship Okeanos Explorer was exploring Enigma Seamount—an underwater mountain.
Thanks to the mission, we now know a little bit more about the area. The NOAA’s remotely operated vehicle (ROV) took some pictures and videos down there, which included the jellyfish.
Properly called a hydromedusa, scientists believe it belongs to the genus Crossota. At the beginning of the video, we see a long set of tentacles extending outward while the bell remains motionless. This suggests an “ambush predation mode,” according to NOAA’s description of the video. The red stripes and bright yellow spots are believed to be reproductive organs.
