New jellyfish species discovered in Japan, named after samurai

Technology Nov 14, 2025

Students at Tohoku University just discovered a new jellyfish species, Physalia mikazuki, hanging out way north of its usual home.
This is the first time this species has been formally described in Japan—nearly 2,000km from where it's normally found in Okinawa.
Fun fact: they named it after legendary samurai Date Masamune.

Climate change's impact on ocean life

Why did this jellyfish travel so far? Scientists say rising ocean temperatures and shifting currents (hello, climate change) pushed Physalia mikazuki north with some help from the Kuroshio Current.
DNA tests confirmed it's a unique species making a big move.
Since its sting packs a punch, researchers are keeping an eye on it—and on how climate change is mixing up ocean life everywhere.