Giant Phantom Jellyfish Filmed In Rare Deep Sea Encounter

It’s not every day that the ocean reveals one of its most elusive giants, but on February 4, 2026, scientists from the Schmidt Ocean Institute found themselves face-to-face with a creature that could make even the bravest deep-sea explorer pause in awe. Off the coast of Argentina, at a depth of 820 feet where sunlight barely penetrates, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) named SuBastian captured mesmerizing footage of a giant phantom jellyfish, Stygiomedusa gigantea. This rare species, with its ghostly, ribbon-like arms trailing behind a bulbous bell, can reach lengths that rival a school bus—up to 33 feet long, according to the Schmidt Ocean Institute via FOX Weather.

The video, which quickly made waves across scientific and popular media, showed the jellyfish undulating through the deep blue, its pinkish tendrils floating like ethereal curtains. The creature’s bell alone can span more than three feet across, and its arms—unlike the stinging tentacles of many jellyfish—are used to ensnare prey and guide it to its mouth. As the Institute explained in a press release, “They do not have any stinging tentacles, but use their arms to catch prey, including plankton and small fish.”

The expedition wasn’t just a lucky encounter with a single extraordinary animal. The Schmidt Ocean Institute’s team, working aboard the R/V Falkor (too), was on a comprehensive mission to study Argentina’s continental shelf. Their journey took them from Buenos Aires to the southern tip near Tierra del Fuego, exploring the Colorado-Rawson submarine canyon wall and beyond. Along the way, they documented an astonishing 28 suspected new species, ranging from worms and anemones to sea urchins and snails, as reported by the New York Post and WJW.

But perhaps just as significant as the jellyfish itself was the discovery of the largest-known Bathelia candida coral reef in the world. This massive reef, covering 0.4 square kilometers—about the size of Vatican City—serves as a crucial habitat for a variety of marine life, including octopuses, fish, and crustaceans. The team even found reefs of Bathelia farther south than ever previously recorded, highlighting the region’s unexpected biodiversity. According to the Schmidt Ocean Institute, Bathelia candida is considered a Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem indicator species, emphasizing the importance of these reefs for ocean health.

The scientists didn’t stop at reefs and jellyfish. Their submersible also uncovered a cold seep—a site where gases and chemicals escape from the seafloor—spanning over one square kilometer, more than double the size of the newly charted coral reef. Cold seeps are vital for supporting unique microbial communities, which in turn sustain clams, mussels, and tube worms. These findings, coupled with the sighting of Argentina’s first documented deep-water whale fall at a staggering depth of 3,890 meters (12,762 feet), paint a picture of a thriving, interconnected ecosystem teeming with life in places previously thought inhospitable.

Dr. María Emilia Bravo, the expedition’s chief scientist from the University of Buenos Aires and CONICET, expressed her astonishment at the sheer variety of life encountered. “We were not expecting to see this level of biodiversity in the Argentine deep sea, and are so excited to see it teeming with life,” she told WJW. “Seeing all the biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and connectivity unfolding together was incredible. We opened a window into our country’s biodiversity only to find there are so many more windows left to be opened.”

The team’s research went far beyond mere observation. As Dr. Melisa Fernández Severini of Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía and CONICET explained, “We collected an unprecedented number of chemical, physical, and biological samples that will be used to understand connections in our waters for years to come. These samples represent a unique opportunity to understand not only how extraordinary these extreme ecosystems are, but also how vulnerable they can be.”

Despite the excitement, the expedition was not without sobering moments. Alongside the vibrant reefs and rare creatures, the researchers encountered evidence of human impact: plastic fishing nets, assorted garbage, and even a VHS tape with a Korean sticker were found littering the deep-sea floor. These discoveries serve as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of pollution, even in the most remote corners of the planet.

Dr. Jyotika Virmani, executive director of the Schmidt Ocean Institute, reflected on the broader significance of their work: “With every expedition to the deep sea, we find the ocean is full of life—as much as we see on land, and perhaps more because the ocean contains 98 percent of the living space on this planet. We have been privileged to work with outstanding scientists across three expeditions in Argentinian waters, and look forward to seeing their research continue to unfold, unlocking new understanding and inspiration.”

For marine biologists and ocean enthusiasts alike, the sighting of Stygiomedusa gigantea is more than just a curiosity—it’s a symbol of how much remains undiscovered beneath the waves. The giant phantom jellyfish, with its flowing arms and gentle movements, embodies the mystery and fragility of the deep ocean. And as the footage shows, it’s not alone down there. Young fish were seen swimming alongside the jelly’s tendrils, hinting at complex relationships and perhaps even mutual benefits that science is only beginning to understand.

The expedition’s findings have already begun to reshape scientists’ understanding of the Argentine deep sea. The presence of such a diverse array of species, including those previously unknown to science, suggests that these waters may be far richer—and more vulnerable—than anyone had previously imagined. As Dr. Bravo put it, “There are so many more windows left to be opened.”

The story of the giant phantom jellyfish is, in many ways, the story of the ocean itself: vast, mysterious, and full of surprises. Each new discovery brings with it both wonder and responsibility—a reminder that the health of these ecosystems depends on choices made far above the waves. With the continued efforts of dedicated researchers and organizations like the Schmidt Ocean Institute, the hope is that the secrets of the deep can be unlocked, celebrated, and protected for generations to come.

In the end, the ghostly jellyfish drifting through Argentina’s undersea canyons is more than just a scientific marvel—it’s a call to keep exploring, to keep learning, and to keep caring for the hidden world beneath our feet.