News Excerpt:

Scientists discovered the rare St. George’s cross medusa jellyfish near a Japanese volcanic crater in 2002. Now they have confirmed it is a new species altogether named Santjordia pagesi.

How It was declared: 

• Researchers spent significant time studying the jellyfish, carefully observing its physical characteristics, behavior, and habitat. 
• Genetic analysis of the jellyfish was conducted, revealing significant genetic differences from known species. 
• This genetic distinctiveness led to the classification of the jellyfish into a new subfamily, indicating its novelty in the scientific classification of jellyfish species. 
• The detailed observations over the years helped them establish its uniqueness. 
• The species designation, Santjordia pagesi, pays tribute to Francesc Pagès, a researcher specializing in cnidarians, which hints at the unique features of this jellyfish possibly relating to its venom or other biological aspects.

Features and details about Santjordia pagesi:

• Distinctive Physical Features: The jellyfish displayed unique physical traits that set it apart from known species. The presence of a bright red, cross-shaped stomach, along with its transparent body, tentacles, and specific vein-like structures, contributed to its distinctiveness.
• Habitat and Behavior: The habitat of the jellyfish, found at considerable depths of 2,700 to 2,800 feet near the Sumisu Caldera, combined with its pulsating movement for propulsion, contributed to the understanding of its ecological niche and behavior.
• Habitat: This jellyfish has been exclusively found in the Sumisu Caldera, a volcanic crater near the Ogasawara Islands, located around 600 miles southeast of Tokyo, Japan. Its limited presence in this specific geographical area contributes to its rarity.
• Name Origins: The name "Santjordia" is derived from Saint George in Catalan, symbolizing the distinctive cross-shaped stomach that sets this jellyfish apart.
• Size: Santjordia pagesi is considered relatively large among jellyfish, measuring approximately 4 inches in width and 3 inches in height.
• Body Structure: It features a circular body that appears translucent, resembling a see-through cushion.
• Tentacles: The jellyfish boasts around 240 tentacles extending from its body.
• White Ring and Vein-like Structures: It possesses a thick white ring along its lower edge, with smaller vein-like structures extending from its central stomach to the outer ring.
• Distinctive Red, Cross-shaped Stomach: One of its most striking features is the bright red, cross-shaped stomach, which is visually distinct and serves as a hallmark of this particular species.
• Potential Venom: The distinct features of Santjordia pagesi suggest the possibility that it may possess a novel type of venom characteristic to cnidarians, indicating potential uniqueness in its venomous properties compared to other jellyfish species.

What are Jellyfish: Jellyfish are fascinating marine creatures belonging to the phylum Cnidaria, characterized by their distinct features and life cycle.

• Phylum Cnidaria: Jellyfish are part of the phylum Cnidaria, which includes various other marine animals like sea anemones, corals, and hydrozoans. They share certain structural and biological characteristics, such as radial symmetry and specialized stinging cells called cnidocytes.
• Body Structure: Typically, jellyfish have a gelatinous, bell-shaped body (known as the bell or medusa) that is mostly transparent. The body is made up of a jelly-like substance called mesoglea, and its shape can vary widely among different species, from domed to cylindrical or umbrella-like.
• Tentacles: Hanging from the bell are numerous tentacles equipped with specialized cells called cnidocytes. These cells contain nematocysts, which are microscopic harpoon-like structures used to sting and capture prey.
• Movement: Jellyfish move by contracting and relaxing their bell-shaped bodies, propelling themselves through the water. Their pulsating motion allows them to navigate and hunt for prey.
• Feeding: Jellyfish primarily feed on small fish, plankton, and other tiny marine organisms. When prey comes into contact with their tentacles, the stinging cells inject venom to stun or paralyze the prey, making it easier for the jellyfish to consume.
• Digestion and Waste Elimination: Jellyfish have a single opening that serves as both their mouth and their anus. They ingest food through this opening and expel waste after digestion.
• Global Distribution: These fascinating creatures inhabit oceans worldwide, occupying various marine environments from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea.

Conclusion:

Jellyfish play a vital role in marine ecosystems, serving as both predators and prey and contributing to the balance of oceanic food webs. Their unique biological features and behaviors continue to intrigue scientists and researchers studying marine life and biodiversity.