Deepstaria looks like a cross between a ghost emoji and a floating plastic bag, but don’t be tempted to underestimate this shape-shifting jellyfish: it’s among the largest and strangest invertebrate predators of the deep sea.
There are two recognized species of Deepstaria – D. enigmatica and D. reticulum – named after the US research sub Deepstar 4000 that
On the taxonomic family tree, they are part of a class called Scyphozoa, which are typically referred to as true jellyfish. However, Deepstaria has some significant differences from their other jelly relatives.
Many jellyfish live in groups known as shoals or swarms because they tend to be caught in ocean currents, but Deepstaria appear to be lone rangers that live a relatively solitary existence in the murky depths of the ocean’s abyss.
The jellies live in the bathypelagic region of the world’s oceans at depths ranging from 600 to 1,750 meters (1,968 to 5,741 feet). This part of the ocean is known as the
In 2018, scientists made
One of the most remarkable observations came in 2019 when scientists onboard the
Amid many “woahs” and “oooooohs”, the researchers noted that a resident red
The isopod remains protected from predators inside the jellyfish bell, plus it likely obtains nutrients from its body, but it is unclear what benefit the jellyfish is gaining. Nevertheless, small crustaceans and other creatures are often found living inside the bell of Deepstaria, suggesting this unlikely bond runs deep.