Scientists Unearthed an Unknown Creature with 24 Eyes While Checking the Quality of the Water in a Nature Reserve

[milestogo]

In the quiet wetlands of Hong Kong, researchers stumbled upon a creature so bizarre it seems pulled from the pages of science fiction. With an otherworldly design—including clusters of eyes and unusual abilities—this aquatic predator has left scientists scratching their heads. In a jaw-dropping twist straight out of a sci-fi blockbuster, scientists have stumbled upon a creature so bizarre it defies everything we thought we knew about nature. A venomous jellyfish with 24 eyes was discovered in an unexpected location—an unassuming pond in the Mai Po Nature Reserve, right in the heart of Hong Kong.

In 2024, while conducting water quality tests in the sprawling wetlands of Mai Po, researchers netted a creature that seemed more at home in a sci-fi thriller than Earth’s tranquil waters. This alien-like being turned out to be a new species of box jellyfish, or cubozoa—a type of jellyfish already infamous for their venomous sting.

The scientists were left slack-jawed as they examined this newcomer. Named Tripedalia maipoensis, it boasts features unlike any other jellyfish:
- 24 eyes arranged in clusters of six.
- Tentacles reaching 15 centimeters with pedal-shaped ends.
- A venom potent enough to make even the bravest swimmers think twice.

If you thought jellyfish were just blobs drifting lazily through the water, think again. Tripedalia maipoensis has taken evolution to the next level. Its eyes are a marvel of biology—some specialized for detecting light, while others capture detailed images. This complex visual system gives it an unparalleled view of its surroundings, making it the stealthy predator nightmares are made of. Its tentacles, ending in unique paddle-like structures, help it zoom through the water at an astonishing 7 km/h. This speed demon doesn’t rely on ocean currents like its cousins—it propels itself with precise, powerful movements.

https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/01/scientists-unearthed-an-unknown-creature-with-24-eyes-while-checking-the-quality-of-the-water-in-a-nature-reserve/