NOAA scientists observed the new species of blob in 2015. Confirmation that the blob is indeed a new species has only come now,
Everyone knows the deep sea is dark and full of nightmarish creatures—ones that look like they grew out of H.P. Lovecraft’s subconscious. Which means it should come as no surprise scientists have just announced the discovery of yet another bizarre aquatic species. One that floats aimlessly and mysteriously, like a shimmering, translucent balloon searching for … something.
Science Alert reported on the discovery, which scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) outlined in a recent paper. The NOAA scientists actually observed the new species—and genus—of blob in 2015 off the coast of Puerto Rico. Confirmation that the blob, dubbed Duobrachium sparksae, is indeed a new species has only come now, however.
In regards to sparksae‘s genetics or how it behaves, details are still elusive. The NOAA scientists are certain the blob is some type of Ctenophore though. Ctenophores, also referred to as sea gooseberries or comb jellies, comprise a phylum of invertebrate marine animal. They almost always look like translucent blobs, and often times have macabre characteristics.
Aside from cataloging the bizarre new species, the NOAA scientists were most excited by how they discovered sparksae. The scientists say they identified the species solely from submarine footage from 2015. And while the NOAA says the method is controversial, it was appropriate in this case. A good thing, because if it weren’t, scientists would’ve had to suck it up and dissect the squishy nightmare. And really, it deserves to float free so it may hunt and kill prey in peace.
Originally published at Nerdist