In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have documented the first appearance of the rare siphonophore Rhizophysa eysenhardtii in False Bay, South Africa, Cape {town} Etc reports.
This rare marine organism, recorded for the first time in the region, extends the known distribution of the species by 450 kilometres, offering new insights into the biology of this mysterious creature. Published in the scientific journal African Invertebrates, the finding not only deepens our understanding of siphonophores but also emphasises the rich and delicate biodiversity of South Africa’s marine life, particularly within the Great African Seaforest.
A fascinating marine organism
Rhizophysa eysenhardtii is part of the siphonophore group, a remarkable class of marine animals in the phylum Cnidaria, which also includes jellyfish, corals and sea anemones. Unlike solitary organisms, siphonophores are colonial creatures made up of specialised individuals, called ‘zooids,’ that work in unison to form a functional whole. Freedivers in the region made the discovery between June and September 2022, capturing the organism on film and photography.
Marine biologist Dr Jannes Landschoff, co-author of the study and a Research Fellow at Stellenbosch University’s Department of Botany and Zoology, expressed his excitement upon first encountering the siphonophore: ‘When I saw this siphonophore for the first time, I got so excited and couldn’t believe my eyes. I immediately knew it was a special discovery, and I wanted to learn more about this exquisite life form.’ Dr Landschoff is also affiliated with the Sea Change Project, where he and his team made the observation.
A closer look at the siphonophore’s behaviour
The study, led by Dr Gill Mapstone from the Natural History Museum in London, sheds light on the siphonophore’s unique morphology and diet. The species’ characteristic pink tentacles and translucent bodies were clearly visible in the underwater photographs and videos. Interestingly, the siphonophore was observed preying on fish larvae and even capturing a chaetognath – an aggressive, predatory marine worm. Dr Mapstone, who has dedicated her career to studying siphonophores, expressed her amazement: ‘Seeing the photos of these spectacular animals made me realise once more why I started working on this group in the first place. They are just so incredible.’
Broader implications for marine biodiversity
This discovery provides essential baseline data for understanding marine biodiversity in the region, which remains largely underexplored. Species distribution records like this are crucial for monitoring the health and shifts in marine ecosystems, particularly in the Benguela Ecosystem, where False Bay is located. With the presence of R. eysenhardtii, scientists now have additional evidence to track the changing distribution of marine species, possibly influenced by ocean currents or environmental shifts.
‘The observations of Rhizophysa eysenhardtii have significant implications for understanding the biodiversity of the Great African Seaforest,’ said Dr Landschoff. ‘Our findings underscore the need to safeguard marine biodiversity and improve documentation of rarely observed species.’
The research is part of the 1001 Seaforest Species initiative, a collaboration with the Save Our Seas Foundation. The project, which seeks to document 1001 marine species, integrates scientific research with environmental advocacy. By raising awareness of the incredible biodiversity of the Great African Seaforest, the initiative highlights the urgent need to protect this marine ecosystem, not only for its unique species but for the vital ecological services it provides to the planet.
Dr Landschoff concluded, ‘Protecting habitats like the Great African Seaforest is vital for preserving species like Rhizophysa eysenhardtii and the ecological services they provide. It’s an essential part of ensuring the health of our oceans and the future of marine life.’
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Picture: @helen_walne / Instagram
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