Deepstaria Enigmatica

Summary

Species of jellyfish Deepstaria enigmatica is a very rarely seen giant jellyfish of the family Ulmaridae first described in 1967 by F. S. Russell. The Deepstaria enigmatica has a wide, thin bell (up to 60 cm or 2 ft),[1] transparent in appearance, which undulates as the jellyfish moves. They are usually found in Antarctic and near-Antarctic seas, but have been spotted in waters near the United Kingdom and Gulf of Mexico, at depths of 600–1,750 metres (1,970–5,740 ft).[1][2] Unlike many other jellyfish, they lack tentacles.[3] They also are solitary creatures, contrary to the group living style of many jellyfish. The large bell of the jellyfish has been proposed as used for either locomotion or feeding when closed. The Deepstaria also features a geometric mesh pattern throughout its bell; this mesh, being the gastrovascular system, delivers nutrients to the entire jelly as it stretches and contracts to move and capture prey.[3][4] Locomotion and body structure[edit] Members of Deepstaria have a thin, umbrella-like membrane, a gastrovascular cavity, and lack tentacles. Deepstaria enigmatica move by peristalsis. This is done through contractions that travel in wave-like motion throughout its body. They have no tentacles, and instead use the peristaltic wave as means of locomotion and capturing prey.[4] The jellyfish begin these wave-like contractions by opening the mouth of the bell as a wave travels through their body. A bulge forms in the center of the body and remains as long as the mouth of the bell remains closed.[4] Deepstaria jelly fall[edit] Deepstaria enigmatica have been observed during jelly-falls. This happens when a jellyfish carcass falls through the water column to the ocean floor. A Deepstaria enigmatica jelly fall was first observed in the lower portion of the oxygen minimum zone of the ocean. It was observed as shrimp and crabs were scavenging its carcass.[4] These jelly falls are advantageous to the ocean floor, causing a source of organic enrichment...