Scientists have successfully captured rare footage of the elusive giant phantom jellyfish - a deep ocean giant that can grow up to 33 feet in length.
Researchers from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute shared the footage last month, which was captured by its remotely operated vehicle (ROV) known as Doc Ricketts. Both oddly beautiful and deeply terrifying at the same time, the giant phantom jelly (Stygiomedusa gigantea) was found 3,200 below the surface in Monterey Bay.
These creatures are so rare that since it was first recorded in 1899, it is believed humans have only encountered the animal roughly 100 times - less than once per year in over a century. In fact, the MBARI's ROVs have been on thousands of dives, and only seen the giant phantom jelly nine times.
The MBARI revealed that the bell of the creature is over 3.3 feet across, and has four "ribbon-like oral (or mouth) arms" that can reach lengths of 33 feet.
Check out the incredible footage below:According to the MBARI, scientists used to capture these creatures in trawl nets, but due to the fact that the giant jellies "turn to gelatinous goo in trawl nets", it became much more efficient to study them in their natural environment. Thanks to the ROV's 4K cameras, the ocean-dwelling behemoth's behaviors and appearance can be seen in stunning detail.
In fact, the giant phantom jellyfish has been recorded in the deep basins of all the world's oceans except the Arctic - so none of us are safe.
The creatures can be found anywhere from the ocean surface to a depth of 21,900 feet - but are more commonly found in what is known as "the midnight zone", which ranges from 3,300 to 13,100 feet below the ocean surface.
Another fun fact is that although the creature's diet has never been 100% confirmed, it is believed that they consume plankton and small fishes - creatures that can actually be seeking refuge in the wide-open waters under the gelatinous jellyfish.
So there you have it. A giant phantom jellyfish and sleepless nights for the rest of the year. You're welcome.
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