Dark Dweller: Antarctic Jellyfish

Dark Dweller: Antarctic Jellyfish

Discovered during a 2006 Census of Marine Life expedition, this species was filmed in Antarctic waters that have been kept in darkness for thousands of years by thick ice cover.

Researchers were able to finally shed light on the species—and scores of other tiny creatures—by suspending an underwater camera down a hole drilled through 2,300 feet (700 meters) of ice.

The diversity of life supported by unlit waters was a big surprise for Antarctic researchers who conducted the survey in the Weddell Sea (interactive Antarctica map).

Census of Marine Life senior scientist Ron O'Dor said the findings showed "there are no deserts in the ocean. Everywhere we look, we find evidence of life."