Deepstaria: A Baffling Mystery

September 10, 2019

Deepstaria: A Baffling Mystery

The ocean is full of mysteries that haven't been solved, not to mention ones that haven't even been discovered. So many questions of How? Why? When? still baffle the world, as its elusive occupants continue to amaze humankind. Some of these strange creatures are the Deepstaria, a species of peculiar jellyfish. Exceedingly rare, these jellies are quite camera shy; hesitant to show their face.

I found out about the creatures only a day ago, when browsing the Internet. The E/V Nautilus managed to encapture some awesome footage of a Deepstaria enigmatica, more ever, with an isopod in it!

But first, what are the Deepstaria? Clearly, they are jellyfish, but what makes them so different from others?

Unlike the more commonly known jellyfish, Deepstaria don't have stinging tentacles. They resemble floating plastic bags; their bell made of an expandable membrane that can stretch over a meter's length! Due to the lack of tentacles, Deepstaria must use a different mode of predation. This is still unknown to humans, though, as well as its mode of prey, reproduction, scarcity, or pretty much anything else. After all, it can't be that easy to find a somewhat minuscule creature living in the dark depths that is just floating mid-sea.

The bell of the Deepstaria is soft, delicate and see-through. Due to its malleability, it is predicted to assist in encapturing of food. Little, geometrical patterns can be seen on the membrane. These are nervous networks, ever so intricate. It makes you wonder if you've been underestimating how smart this creature really is. As it pulses, folding and unfolding, you think about its thoughts; how such a bizarre creature perceives the world.

The feeding process is predicted to be similar to an Ameoba's: ambushing its prey, then encapturing it within its massive bell. Remember that isopod from earlier? That was probably prey, but managed to survive and experience the adventure of its lifetime. Isopods are crustaceans, and this one was bright red, making it stand out against the jelly's transparency. The little bug could have also been working with the Deepstaria, through symbiosis. With the Deepstaria's elusiveness, it's always hard to tell.

Learning about new creatures, especially ones in the sea, always gives me a sense of accomplishment. It reminds me that we have progressed as a species, and that there are others out there that do care about our world. There is so much more to discover; like a drop of water to the sea. As long as we keep asking questions, there is no doubt we'll make the journey. I sincerely hope that one day, I can be a part of these discoveries as well.