When most people reflect on the unknown, the first thing that comes to mind is the vastness of space. But deep within the aquamarine depths of our oceans live species and places we’ve never seen before, including species that, frankly, seem strange.
One of the most fascinating and creepy creatures is the jellyfish. These fascinating invertebrates tend to live in warm waters off the coast. They range from jellyfish smaller than a fingernail to 120 feet long.
While not all jellyfish are venomous or have stingers, all of these invertebrates have tentacle-like structures and float in the water. We still have a lot to learn about jellyfish, but many scientists thought we had discovered most of the species.
But recently, a wildlife photographer captured images that called that assumption into question. Dorian Borcherds, owner of a diving business in Kavieng, Papua New Guinea, recorded what could be a new species of jellyfish.
The gelatinous creature was long and wide. Like most jellyfish, it had a translucent shape, with internal structures visible from the outside. As he moved forward, his tentacles flowed behind him like ribbons.
Scientists were shocked by the size and possibilities of this new species. Asked how she had reacted to the video, marine biologist Dr. Lisa-ann Gershwin said: “I almost fell out of my chair.”
Gershwin believed the jellyfish was a new species, but toxicologist Jamie Seymour wasn’t sure. Whether it’s a new creature or not, this close encounter maintains a sense of mystery and wonder.