Groundbreaking Discovery: New Species of Jellyfish Resembling St. George's Cross Unveiled

A groundbreaking discovery has been made by scientists who have identified a new species of jellyfish with a distinctive red stomach reminiscent of the Cross of St. George. This remarkable creature, known as the St.

George's Cross Medusa, boasts 240 tentacles and a striking red cross pattern on its stomach, visible from above. The findings of this research were recently published in the prestigious journal Zootaxa. The newly described species, named Santjordia pagesi in reference to Saint George in Catalan, was first captured in 2002 by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) at a depth of 812 meters (2,644 feet) in the Sumisu Caldera, a hydrothermally active deep-sea volcanic structure located in Japan's Ogasawara Islands.

The discovery of the St. George's Cross Medusa was no easy feat, as the environment surrounding the volcanic structure is harsh and inhospitable, accessible only with specialized equipment such as ROVs. In fact, another ROV spotted a jellyfish of the same species in 2020 but was unable to capture it.

Characterized by its unique appearance and smaller size compared to other jellyfish species, with a width of approximately four inches (10.16 centimetres) and a length of three inches (7.62 centimetres), this medusa has garnered significant attention from the scientific community.

The research team, led by André Morandini, a professor of zoology at the University of São Paulo's Institute of Biosciences, published their findings in November 2023, alongside researchers from the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) and the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST). Describing the St. George's Cross Medusa as "very different from all the deep-sea medusae discovered to date," Morandini emphasized its unique characteristics and speculated on the potential significance of the red cross marking on its stomach in relation to feeding habits.

The researchers highlighted the evolutionary significance of classifying S. pagesi within a new subfamily, Santjordiinae, indicating a divergence in evolutionary pathways and potential adaptations unique to this species. Additionally, they raised questions about the medusa's potential venomous capabilities, suggesting that it may possess venom unlike other known jellyfish species.

In a statement accompanying the research publication, Morandini emphasized the importance of drawing attention to the biodiversity present in unique environments such as the Sumisu Caldera, which may hold commercial value due to its mineral-rich substrate. He also stressed the need for collaborative efforts with partners interested in the exploration and development of such areas. This groundbreaking discovery sheds light on the remarkable diversity of marine life in deep-sea environments and highlights the importance of continued research and conservation efforts to protect and preserve these unique ecosystems.

Overall, the identification of the St. George's Cross Medusa represents a significant contribution to our understanding of deep-sea jellyfish species and underscores the importance of exploring and studying the world's oceans to uncover the mysteries of marine life.