A breakthrough in marine biology has surfaced with the discovery of a new species of medusa, named Santjordia pagesi . This unique gelatinous creature was found in the hydrothermally active deep-sea volcanic structure of the Sumisu Caldera in the Ogasawara Islands, near Tokyo. The discovery was made by an international team of researchers, including Brazilian scientist Andr Morandini, who was supported by the S£o Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP).
A Unique Discovery: Santjordia pagesi
One of the fascinating traits of S. pagesi is its striking red stomach, which when viewed from above, resembles the Cross of St George. Interestingly, this species is relatively small compared to other deep-sea medusae, with a diameter of about 10 cm. The bright red coloring in its stomach is thought to aid in capturing food by masking the bioluminescence of swallowed prey from predators. The species is transparent, a common trait among jellyfish, and the red stomach helps to hide the light emitted by bioluminescent organisms.
A Tribute to a Jellyfish Taxonomist
The medusa was named in honor of Dr. Francesc Pag�s, a recently deceased jellyfish taxonomist from Barcelona. This species, representing a new genus and subfamily within the Ulmaridae family, stands as a testament to his contributions to the field.
The Need for Deep-Sea Exploration
The discovery of S. pagesi was based on a single specimen collected by a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) in 2002, with another sighting in 2020. The rarity and difficulty in collecting specimens highlight the need for further deep-sea exploration. Researchers also speculate that S. pagesi may possess a unique arsenal of venoms, potentially holding secrets more valuable than the mineral resources in its habitat.
As the S£o Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) continues to support scientific research across various fields by providing scholarships, fellowships, and grants, this discovery underscores the importance of international collaborations in advancing scientific knowledge and the need for preserving deep-sea ecosystems in the face of rapidly changing global conditions.
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