’Almost fell out of my chair’: unusual jellyfish sparks interest among researchers

Footage of an unusual-looking jellyfish has sparked interest among researchers. Subscribe to Guardian News on YouTube ► The video was captured by Dorian Borcherds, who owns Scuba Ventures in Kavieng, in the New Ireland province of Papua New Guinea. Marine biologist Dr Lisa-ann Gershwin said she “almost fell out of my chair” when she saw the footage. Gershwin believes the “magnificent” creature is new to science, but Jamie Seymour, a toxicologist from James Cook University who specialises in Australia’s venomous animals, is unsure. He says it may be Chirodectes maculatus, a jellyfish sighted only once off the coast of far north Queensland which Gershwin had helped classify when it was originally discovered. The Guardian publishes independent journalism, made possible by supporters. Contribute to The Guardian today ► Sign up to the Guardian’s free new daily newsletter, First Edition ►