New species of jellyfish discovered off the coast of Florida: photos

Divers strapped on their gear and dove into the dark waters off the coast of Florida. Equipped with flashlights, the divers searched the ocean and discovered a glowing sea creature with fifteen tentacles.

It turned out to be a new species

Peter Schuchert and Richard Collins surveyed marine life near Palm Beach during 91 night dives over a period of several years, according to a study published April 30 in the peer-reviewed journal Revue suisse de Zoologie. During their dives, they searched for a group of ocean animals known as hydromedusae.

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Hydromedusae, commonly called jellyfish because of their appearance, are scientifically known as hydrozoans. These small colonial animals live in saltwater columns and only come to the surface at night, making them difficult to find.

During their dives, researchers encountered nine unfamiliar-looking jellyfish, the study said. They photographed the glowing sea creatures and captured a few. When they took a closer look, researchers realized they had discovered a new species: Melicertum tropicalis, or the hot water jellyfish.

Hot water jellyfish are small, measuring about a quarter inch in length, the study said. They have a ‘bell-shaped’ body with a ‘thick’ outer skin and between ’15 and 18 long tentacles’. Their mouth has eight ‘little lips’.

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Mesmerizing photos show several Melicertum tropicalis jellyfish. The animals appear blue-green in color. The inside of their ‘bell-shaped’ body almost resembles a galaxy.

Researchers suspect the new strain glows or fluoresces, but they haven’t tested it yet, co-author Richard Collins told McClatchy News via email. When illuminated with white light, the animal has ‘a green tint’.

Like other hydromedusae, the new species uses jet propulsion to move through the water, co-author Peter Schuchert told McClatchy News. During this process, water is sucked in and then sprayed out again through a narrowed opening.

Although some hydromedusae species sting when touched, Melicertum tropicalis is unlikely to be a stinger, Schuchert said.

Researchers said they named the new species for its “occurrence in warm waters” because its close relative prefers cold waters, the study said.

The new species was identified by its tentacles, color, DNA, reproductive system and other subtle physical characteristics, the study said.

Researchers also discovered a second new species of jellyfish and documented dozens of others.

“Part of the work we do is to demonstrate and document the amazing oceanic biodiversity here in Florida,” Collins said. “Florida’s waters are well studied compared to most of the world’s oceans, and yet there is still so much to learn and discover.”