Blue spot jelly washed on beaches around the globe is not what scientists think of them as single, species on Earth.
New genetic analysis reveals at least four different species masquerading as one, fundamentally challenging how we understand open ocean life.
An international team led by Yale researchers sequenced the genomes of 151 blue spot specimens from around the world, and found hidden biodiversity in textbook examples of textbooks for long considered confounding, global populations.
When the assumption fits reality
“We were shocked because we thought they were all the same species,” said Professor Kylie Pitt of Griffith University, a co-author of the study. “But the genetic data clearly show that not only are they different, but they don’t even cross despite the overlapping ranges.”
The discovery overturned decades of scientific thinking about these floating predators. Despite their reputation as ocean wanderers, Blue Vegetables (also known as the Portuguese War) evolved into independent species in their unique genetics, physical forms and regional distribution.
Citizen Science Reveals Hidden Patterns
The researchers didn’t stop on the DNA. They analyzed thousands of photos of blue vegetables uploaded to inherentist.org by citizen scientists, identifying four different physical forms corresponding to the genetic lineage. These forms were actually first proposed before naturalists in the 18th and 19th centuries, but were later dismissed by modern scientists who believed that ocean connectivity would prevent this specialization.
The study identified three previously known species: Physalia Physalis, P. utriculus and P. megalista- and the newly discovered species Minuta, found near New Zealand and Australia.
Sea expressway creates genetic island
What makes this discovery particularly interesting is how it challenges our understanding of ocean connectivity. “It’s an open ocean that’s all related, it’s just a blue spot, they’re all connected globally because they drift with wind and current,” Pete explained. “But it’s definitely not.”
Advanced ocean cycle models show that regional subpopulations are consistent with specific wind patterns and currents, resulting in invisible highways rather than connecting these floating animals. Even in each species, researchers have discovered important genetic structures on the regional scale.
East Australia puzzle
Perhaps the most confusing thing is the situation in eastern Australia where multiple blue spot species coexist in the same waters. “What’s really interesting in eastern Australia is that despite the potential for coexistence, we have multiple evolutions,” Pete noted. “So why do they develop into separate species when you think they are all in the same environment, mixed together?”
The question points out that even in seemingly unified marine environments, unknown evolutionary pressures driving species formation, could reshape how marine biologists view biodiversity in open seas.
Beyond academic curiosity
This study has practical significance beyond evolutionary biology. Because different species may have different seasonal motion and sting potentials, understanding the diversity and distribution patterns of blue spots can improve beach safety predictions.
The research results also show that there are much more open marine hidden houses than previously thought. If a creature as eye-catching and well-thought-out like blue spots can mask multiple species, how many other marine life are we misunderstood?
This genetic revelation forces scientists to reconsider basic assumptions about marine life, proving that even in the most connected environments on our planet, evolution has found ways to create boundaries we have never known.
Related
If our report has been informed or inspired, please consider donating. No matter how big or small, every contribution allows us to continue to provide accurate, engaging and trustworthy scientific and medical news. Independent news takes time, energy and resources – your support ensures that we can continue to reveal the stories that matter most to you.
Join us to make knowledge accessible and impactful. Thank you for standing with us!
