Watch: ‘Strange’ Non-Stinging Venus Girdle, Largest Comb Jellyfish, Spotted In Malta
A non-stinging Venus Girdle, which is the largest of all-known comb jellyfish, was recently spotted in Malta’s waters.
In footage uploaded to social media by marine biologist Alan Deidun, the living organism can be seen gliding through the water, in such a way that it could easily be mistaken for a piece of plastic.
“Plastic sheet? Ribbon? Nope, this is actually a living organism, probably a Venus girdle (Cestum veneris), the largest of all known comb jellies,” Deidun explained on the local group Kayaking in Malta and Gozo.
“This strange, non-stinging organism moves through water by means of undulating movements, with combs of sticky hairs for catching food found along one margin and its mouth being found along the other margin,” he explained, thanking Gabriel Bugelli for the video.
The jellyfish can reach up to one metre and a half in length, and is typically found in warm and temperate seas.
Deidun appealed to citizens to continue supporting the Spot the Jellyfish citizen science campaign, by placing such reports.
The campaign is active year-round, and every report counts. So, if you come across one of these curious creatures during your ocean adventures, don’t hesitate to share your sighting.
Have you ever spotted one of these?
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