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Scientists first identified the small gelatinous blob as a new species in the high seas, using only high-definition underwater cameras.
The animal, officially known as Duobrachium sparkusi, Stenophore or comb is a new species of jelly. It was discovered in April 2015 from an underwater canyon in northwestern Puerto Rico, but is now described in only one research paper.
No physical specimens of the animal were collected but U.S. The species was declared from a video taken below 9,000 meters above the surface in an expedition led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Noah used a remotely controlled robotic vehicle called the Deep Discover to take high-definition images that enabled a complete analysis of the blobs.
“It was a beautiful and unique creature,” said Mike Ford, a fisheries scientist. “We collected high-definition video and described what we saw. We went through Stanforce’s historical knowledge and it became clear that this is also a new race and genus. We then worked to keep it properly in the tree of life. ”
Comb jelly, like the Duobrachium sparkisi, may be only a few millimeters long, but is carnivorous that eats small arthropods and is able to propel itself forward by beating rows of hair-like structures found on their surface. Although they look similar, they are not closely related to jellyfish.
Three individuals of the new species were discovered by a diving robot, fascinating scientists with their unusual behavior. The comb jelly has two long tentacles that make it appear to be anchored on the beach and control its position, as it rotates like a hot air balloon.
More research will be needed to learn the role that new comb jellies play in their environment, but for now the video will be housed in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC instead of physical specimens.
“Video identification can be controversial,” said Alan Collins, a scientist who worked on the expedition.
“For example, some insect species have been described with a low-quality image and some scientists have said they do not believe it is a good way to do things. But for this search, we got no pushback. It was a really great example of how to do it right with a video. “
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