Range: Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and Gulf of Mexico Habitat: Deep marine waters Size: Up to 2 feet (61cm) long Diet: Small fish, crustaceans, and other deep sea jellyfish Threats: Crabs, isopodes, and fish Life span: Unknown

Transcript:

Today on Animal Fact Files we’re discussing deepstaria jellyfish. First classified in the 1960s after its collection by the submersible vehicle Deepstar 4000, these jellyfish were named after the vehicle that first brought them to the surface in the 1960s for scientific study. There are currently two deepstaria jellyfish species and sightings of these enigmatic animals are few and far between. They live 3,000 feet (914m) below the ocean’s surface and have so far been observed in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans as well as the Gulf of Mexico. Their bodies are fragile and often break apart when brought to shore which makes it difficult to study these amazing animals.

Deepstaria jellyfish could also be known as the plastic bag jellyfish or even the deep sea blanket due to their unique body shape. These jellyfish lack tentacles, have a thin, umbrella-shaped bell - this looks like a net when viewed closely - and they have long oral arms. The net-like structure on the deepstaria jellyfish is believed to be a connected network of canals that make up this animal’s digestive tract. Unlike other jellyfish who capture prey in their stinging tentacles, deepstaria jellyfish engulf their prey whole, encasing food items in the thin membrane that makes up their bell. Their diet isn’t currently known with certainty, but they likely consume small fish, crustaceans, and other deep sea jellyfish.

In turn, these jellyfish may be eaten by crabs and other animals if they can be caught. Deep sea crustaceans have been observed munching on a dead deepstaria. They’ve also been found with isopods living inside them. While living inside the jellyfish, the isopod feasts on the deepstaria’s bell from the inside out, potentially going so far as to limit the mobility of the jellyfish. Deepstaria jellyfish don’t pulsate like other jellyfish but instead move via a wave-like motion across their bell, much like an earthworm moving along the ground.

In size, these jellyfish can reach more than two feet (61cm) long, though this can be difficult to decipher when they’re being pushed around by currents created by submersible vehicles trying to capture them on video. They’re shapeshifters. How they reproduce, how long they live, and many other facets of their lives are still unknown. One thing is certain, however, these are some amazing underwater animals!

For more facts on deepstaria jellyfish, check out the links below. Give a thumbs up if you learned something new today. Thank you to our Patrons SpikeSpiegel93, Dad, and everyone else for their support of this channel! Thank you to Jason for today’s request! And thank you for watching Animal Fact Files!