'Stygiomedusa' is a genus of giant deep sea jellyfish in the family 'Ulmaridae'. 'Stygiomedusa gigantea', better known as the giant phantom jelly, with only 110 sightings in 110 years, is a jellyfish that is rarely seen, but believed to be widespread throughout the world, with the exception of the Arctic Ocean.

Its bell is more than one meter (3.3 feet) across and trails four ribbon-like oral (or mouth) arms that can grow to more than 10 meters (33 feet) in length.

It's one of the largest invertebrate predators known in the ocean, yet little is understood about its ecology and behaviour. The long, draping structures aren't stinging tentacles are "oral arms", masses of spongy tissue typically used for feeding. It's thought that the jellies use these arms to envelop unsuspecting prey: plankton and small fish.

The first specimen of the giant phantom jelly was collected in 1899, but it was not until 60 years later that scientists recognized this as a new species. Even now, scientists still know very little about this animal.

More Info: www.mbari.org