NOAA's Office of Ocean Exploration and Research
Info
Although Halitrephes maasi was first described in 1909, this species does not appear to have been fully described and researched, as can be seen from numerous significantly different water depth data, most of which are without scientific sources.Currently, this species is only observed alive with the help of deep-sea submersibles such as the ROV of the research vessel Okeanos Explorer, as was the case in 2018 during the investigation of the Mariana Trench in the western Pacific Ocean.
In photos and short videos on the internet, Halitrephes maasi is commonly referred to as a “firework jellyfish.” The ends of its tentacles are richly studded with stinging cells (nematocytes), which appear particularly bright under the powerful spotlights of the submersible and create a unique play of colors.
Since there is no light in the deep sea to detect potential prey, nature has equipped this trachymedusa with a large number of nematocysts in the tips of its tentacles, which immediately pierce any zooplankton that comes within range and inject the venom, ensuring every opportunity to catch prey! Halitrephes maasi is only known from the developmental stage of the free-living medusa!
Synonyms:
Halitrephes medius Kramp, 1948 · unaccepted (synonym)
Halitrephes valdiviae Vanhöffen, 1912 · unaccepted (synonym)
In photos and short videos on the internet, Halitrephes maasi is commonly referred to as a “firework jellyfish.” The ends of its tentacles are richly studded with stinging cells (nematocytes), which appear particularly bright under the powerful spotlights of the submersible and create a unique play of colors.
Since there is no light in the deep sea to detect potential prey, nature has equipped this trachymedusa with a large number of nematocysts in the tips of its tentacles, which immediately pierce any zooplankton that comes within range and inject the venom, ensuring every opportunity to catch prey! Halitrephes maasi is only known from the developmental stage of the free-living medusa!
Synonyms:
Halitrephes medius Kramp, 1948 · unaccepted (synonym)
Halitrephes valdiviae Vanhöffen, 1912 · unaccepted (synonym)
