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January 12, 2021: Ctenophore

Three of these wonderful animals were seen near the ocean bottom on the first dive of the Oceano Profundo 2015: Exploring Puerto Rico’s Seamounts, Trenches, and Troughs expedition at a depth of approximately 4,000 meters (2.5 miles). Eight rows of ciliated combs along the bottom of the body and very long tentacles originating from thick tentacle sheaths make this an unusual find.

Image courtesy of the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research. Download larger version (jpg, 805 KB).

In 2015, the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (OER) was leading an expedition on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) off the coast of Puerto Rico, when OER’s remotely operated vehicle, Deep Discoverer, was used to image an unusual ctenophore, or comb jelly, that was new to scientists participating in the expedition from shore.

In a recently published paper, NOAA Fisheries scientists describe and document the ctenophore as a new genus and species. This marks the first time NOAA has used only video to designate a new genus and species, demonstrating this as a viable approach to identifying novel animals imaged during deep-ocean exploration without the costly and invasive requirement of in situ sample collection.

The discovery also highlights the value of telepresence in terms of enhancing opportunities for collaboration and partnership in exploring our ocean, allowing for real-time discoveries no matter where in the world a scientist may be located.

From: NOAA Scientists Virtually Discover New Species of Comb Jelly Near Puerto Rico.