New York, February 5, 2026 — Marine scientists have recorded rare, high-definition footage of a Giant Phantom Jellyfish in deep waters off the coast of Argentina. The sighting was made using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) several thousand feet below the ocean’s surface.
The deep-sea creature, scientifically known as Stygiomedusa gigantea, is estimated to be as large as a school bus. The discovery is considered remarkable because the species has been documented fewer than 150 times since it was first identified in 1899.
A team of researchers documenting the deep sea off the coast of Argentina discovered a jellyfish that can “grow as long a school bus.” The footage shows a rarely seen giant phantom jellyfish at 820 feet below sea.
The belly of the jellyfish can grow up to 3.3 feet in diameter… pic.twitter.com/h9hnyNMtI9
— CBS News (@CBSNews) February 4, 2026
Rare Footage From the Ocean’s “Midnight Zone”
The video shows the jellyfish drifting through the midnight zone, a part of the ocean where sunlight does not reach. The animal’s deep reddish-purple bell measures more than three feet wide, while its four ribbon-like oral arms trail behind it, stretching up to 33 feet in length.
Unlike most jellyfish, the Giant Phantom Jellyfish does not have stinging tentacles. Instead, it uses its long, flowing arms to trap and envelop prey.
Why It’s Called the Phantom Jellyfish
The species is often called the “Phantom of the Deep” due to its rarity and ghost-like appearance. Its soft, velvety arms move slowly with ocean currents, making it difficult to detect in the vast deep-sea environment.
Scientists say studying this jellyfish is extremely challenging because it lives at depths ranging from 3,000 to 20,000 feet, where pressure is intense and conditions are harsh.
What Researchers Observed
During the encounter, the jellyfish moved with a slow, pulsing motion, appearing calm and undisturbed by the ROV. Researchers believe its large surface area helps it move efficiently in high-pressure deep-sea conditions.
Experts describe Stygiomedusa gigantea as one of the largest invertebrate predators in the deep ocean.
Technology Makes the Discovery Possible
The sighting was made possible through advanced underwater robotics designed to withstand extreme pressure. The ROV used 4K cameras and specialised lighting to record the jellyfish without interfering with its natural behaviour.
“Every sighting of a Phantom Jellyfish adds valuable information about deep-sea biodiversity,” one researcher involved in the expedition said. Observing a specimen of this size offers rare insight into how large gelatinous animals survive in food-limited environments.
Role in the Deep-Sea Ecosystem
Although much remains unknown about the jellyfish’s lifespan and reproduction, scientists believe it plays an important role in the deep-sea food web. In previous sightings, small fish have been seen sheltering inside the jellyfish’s bell, suggesting a possible symbiotic relationship.
Why This Sighting Matters
The discovery highlights how much of the deep ocean remains unexplored. Each documented encounter helps scientists better understand life in one of Earth’s most extreme environments.
