An international team of scientists made a stunning discovery in March 2020, uncovering a massive, gelatinous creature stretching an estimated 150 feet (45 meters) long off the coast of Western Australia. This deep-sea organism, a type of siphonophore named Apolemia, is potentially the longest animal ever recorded on Earth. Researchers from the Schmidt Ocean Institute's expedition found the colossal "super-organism" during a deep-sea exploration of underwater canyons near Ningaloo.The discovery offers new insights into the unique and diverse life forms thriving in the ocean's unexplored depths.[theguardian+10]
Unprecedented Deep-Sea Encounter
The extraordinary find occurred as the Schmidt Ocean Institute's research vessel Falkor explored the deep-sea canyons of the Indian Ocean. Using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) named SuBastian, the team conducted 20 dives, reaching depths of up to 4,500 meters.Scientists observed the immense siphonophore at approximately 630 meters (2,066 feet) below the surface while the ROV was returning from its deepest dive.[schmidtocean+3]
Dr. Nerida Wilson, a senior research scientist at the Western Australia Museum who led the expedition, described the moment of discovery. "Most scientists had drifted out of the control room," Wilson said. "The word soon spread and people came pouring into the control room to share the excitement. It was just amazing to see this huge organism spread out like a spiral UFO, hovering in the water column. We couldn't believe what we were seeing."This particular Apolemia coiled itself into a unique spiral shape, a posture likely used for feeding.[theguardian+5]
The Nature of Siphonophores
Siphonophores are not single animals in the traditional sense. They are colonial organisms, closely related to jellyfish and corals, made up of thousands of smaller, genetically identical units called zooids.These zooids are specialized, each performing a distinct function crucial for the colony's survival. Some zooids are responsible for catching prey with stinging tentacles, others for digestion, reproduction, or propulsion through the water.[theguardian+14]
Dr. Wilson highlighted the unique biology of these creatures. "They're just an example of doing things a bit differently," Wilson stated. "They're one and they're many."This "super-organism" structure allows siphonophores to reach incredible lengths, far surpassing many individual animals.The newly discovered specimen's outer ring alone was estimated to be around 154 feet (47 meters), with its total length potentially reaching up to 390 feet (119 meters).This makes it significantly longer than a blue whale, generally considered the largest animal on Earth.[theguardian+8]
A Rare Glimpse into Deep-Sea Life
The discovery of this giant siphonophore, likely a new species within the genus Apolemia, underscores how much remains unknown about deep-sea ecosystems.The creature's thin, thread-like body, despite its immense length, is only about as thick as a broomstick.It creates a "curtain of tentacles" to catch small crustaceans and fish, paralyzing them with stinging cells before reeling them into the colony for digestion.[theguardian+8]
Rebecca Helm, an assistant professor of biology at the University of North Carolina Asheville, expressed her astonishment. "I've gone on numerous expeditions and have never, EVER, seen anything like this," Helm said.She also noted the creature's "galaxy-like" spiral formation, a hunting posture rarely observed.This behavior suggests a more active predatory strategy than typically seen in other siphonophores.[smithsonianmag+3]
Broader Implications for Ocean Science
Beyond the siphonophore, the month-long expedition documented up to 30 other potentially new marine species. These included an octopus squid, a long-tailed sea cucumber, glass sponges, and the first giant hydroids ever seen in Australia.The findings highlight the rich biodiversity hidden within deep-sea canyons, even in areas already designated as protected.[theguardian+2]
Dr. Lisa Kirkendale, head of aquatic zoology at the Western Australian Museum and a co-principal investigator, emphasized the importance of these discoveries. "These specimens represent so many extensions in depth and range records for so many species, and will form an important new part of WA Museum collections," Kirkendale stated.Carlie Wiener, director of marine communications at the Schmidt Ocean Institute, confirmed the significance, saying, "We think it's the longest animal recorded to date."[schmidtocean+1]
The Schmidt Ocean Institute, a non-profit organization, provides research vessels and advanced remotely operated vehicles to support oceanographic research globally.Expeditions like this are crucial for understanding the vast, largely unexplored deep ocean, which holds countless secrets about life on Earth and the planet's ecosystems. The discovery of such a monumental and unique life form reinforces the urgent need for continued deep-sea exploration and conservation efforts worldwide.[theguardian+2]
