Deepstaria enigmatica

Deepstaria enigmatica

This Deepstaria jellyfish looks something like a lampshade. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1723; V14

The Deepstaria enigmatica, observed over Axial Seamount, is translucent and resembles a lampshade. This specimen was approximately 30 cm in diameter, but they are known to reach up to 60 cm. Although they are not considered rare, it is hard to find a live one to study because of their size and fragility.