A 20-second video of a large jellyfish with brightly coloured spots and stripes captivated the web. A diver captured the footage and posted it on Fb again in December 2021. It acquired everybody excited as it might solely be the second sighting of an animal referred to as Chirodectes maculatus. However scientists now say it could possibly be a completely new species. Additional sightings and research would assist unravel this thriller. In the meantime, its vibrant and colourful design is a sight to behold.
We noticed the footage because of Laughing Squid. Whereas not a brand new species, there is just one different identified sighting of such a field jellyfish. In 1997, scientists collected a specimen from the Nice Barrier Reef. They described and named it in 2005. On the time, they thought a cyclone might need blown a deep-sea species nearer to shore. That will clarify why it had by no means been seen earlier than.
In keeping with ABC Information Australia, one other jellyfish scientist believes this new sighting is of a special species altogether. The scientific neighborhood requires an intensive description earlier than accepting new species. It’s doable that as much as 90% of the animals residing within the ocean have but to be categorised by science. Consultants describe new species of jellyfish yearly.
Jellyfish and deep-sea creatures are sometimes the inspiration for science fiction. Field jellyfish may be fairly lethal to people, some inflicting dying inside minutes, so this species may discover its means right into a monster film. It seems to be similar to the Sentinels The Matrix. Extra not too long ago, the movie Nope consulted scientists to design an extraterrestrial species. As a part of the bonus options, fish scientist Kelsi Rutledge meticulously describes the brand new species in a mock scientific paper.
Scuba Ventures—Kavieng
Whereas this could possibly be a extremely venomous jellyfish from the deep, is not it thrilling to know there are nonetheless discoveries to be made on the market?
Melissa is the science and know-how author for Nerdist. She additionally moderates “Science of” panels at conventions and is co-host of Star Warsologies, a podcast about science and Star Wars. Comply with her on Twitter @melissatruth.
