Jellyfish

Common Family Name

Jellyfish

Scientific Name

Hydrozoa

Size

From 1cm up to 2,5 m (bell) and 60 m (tentacles)

Identification

Most visible identification is the gelatinous medusa (bell-shaped body). Tentacles and other organs radiate from the medusa and mouth area. Colouration is mostly transparent with blue, pink, red and white pigmentation.

General Info

Hydrozoa class in the phylum Cnidaria consists of approximately 1 750 species. Closely related to corals and anemones. They swim by contracting muscles and jetting water from the bell. Stinging cells (nematocysts) on the tentacles stun prey which is then lifted to the mouth. Eaten by turtles. Reproduce by eggs, which settle to grow into jellyfish.

Feeding

Feeds on plankton, other jellyfish and small fish.

Distribution

Occurs in all temperate and tropical oceans of the world.