A stately creature The largest jellyfish species on our planet is a beastie that loves frigid waters
A stately creatureThe largest jellyfish species on our planet is a beastie that loves frigid waters, both northern and southern, and is known as the Lion’s Mane or hair jelly (though Pastafarians might join me in seeing another living representation of their deity, to accompany the sinophore we shared at http://on.fb.me/1P4kLBu). With a bell up to 2.5 metres across and clustered tentacles up to 37 metres long (more than a blue whale), these predators drift around the world’s icy seas eating fish and other small marine creatures that it stings with its tentacles, stunning them while it engulfs them in its maw.They live for a year or so, spending most of their lives pulsating along near the surface in deeper waters following the currents and settling in shallow sheltered bays towards the end of their span in early autumn. They breed both sexually and asexually, passing through four stages in their seasonal life: larva, polyp (asexual), ephyrae and medusa (sexual). Eggs are carried in tentacles, and hatch into larvae, whereupon the medusa deposits it on a suitable surface. They grow into polyps, reproduce into ephyraes and break off to grow into the full blown majestic medusa phase.They can act as floating oases in the deep ocean, being surrounded by a halo of shrimp and fish all seeking fodder and protection from those that would eat them. In turn, they are eaten by seabirds, turtles and large fish. They are also bioluminescent, maybe using the light to attract prey or mates at night.Scientists are still debating whether there are several species differentiating in the various regions of its range, or one. They vary in colour, blue, orange, red and purple being common, with size being the critical factor (the whoppers are red to purple). Their sting is painful but usually causes no lasting damage, as with all stings vinegar or coca cola poured onto the affected area should bring some relief. One should still consult a doctor after encountering one, due to the large number of potential stings.These lovely creatures were snapped in Russia’s White SeaLozImage credit: Alexander Semenov/SPL/Barcroft Mediahttp://bit.ly/1Pqs2iPhttp://bit.ly/1m5Wu5Uhttp://bit.ly/1VyaBwShttp://bit.ly/1m5Wu5U -- source link
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