The marine organism known as "Carinaria cristata," which inhabits the deep seas of tropical regions, has been discovered for the first time off the coast of Jeju.
According to the Jeju National University of Technology and Fisheries Research Institute, a marine organism presumed to be Carinaria cristata was found on the 26th near Seogi-al Beach in Gujwa-eup, Jeju City.
This organism was first discovered by a YouTuber named "Jeju Nomi" while paddleboarding in the waters in front of the beach. He commented while observing the creature caught on his board, "Transparent fish from tropical regions are even found in Jeju." He later reported the organism to the Jeju National University of Technology and Fisheries Research Institute.
This organism measures 30 cm in length and weighs 350 g, with a body shape resembling that of a fish, including its snout and tail. It is characterized as being transparent and soft. Carinaria cristata is a type of marine arrears mollusk, primarily known to inhabit the far waters of the Pacific Ocean. It is reported not to pose any harm to humans.
It primarily inhabits depths of several dozen to hundreds of meters in tropical and subtropical seas, feeding on plankton. It can drift on the surface like a jellyfish or swim underwater. It is noted that this discovery is exceptional as it typically descends to deeper waters during the day.
The Jeju National University of Technology and Fisheries Research Institute stated that the organism is currently dead and has been preserved by freezing. A representative from the institute noted, "It is presumed to have accidentally arrived in the waters off Jeju following ocean currents, and further investigation is planned," adding, "If you discover unfamiliar organisms near the shoreline, please do not touch them due to the potential for toxicity and report them to the institute."