The root-mouthed jellyfish (Eupilema inexpectata) is a species of cnidarian, a jellyfish in the small family Rhizostomatidae. It is the only member of the genus Eupilema.
Eupilema inexpectata | |
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At Long Beach, Simon's Town, South Africa | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Cnidaria |
Class: | Scyphozoa |
Order: | Rhizostomeae |
Family: | Rhizostomatidae |
Genus: | Eupilema |
Species: | E. inexpectata
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Binomial name | |
Eupilema inexpectata Pages, Gili & Bouillon, 1992[1]
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Description
editThis large jellyfish grows up to more than 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in diameter. It has a smooth-surfaced bell with no tentacles. Its large manubrium (mouth) has many microscopic holes which extend directly into the gut.[2]
Distribution
editThis jellyfish is found around the whole South African coast from the surface to at least 35 m (115 ft) underwater.
Ecology
editThis is a large jellyfish which feeds on microscopic prey. It is often seen with small fish, which use its bulk to hide from predators.
References
editWikimedia Commons has media related to Eupilema inexpectata.
- ^ "WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Eupilema inexpectata Pages, Gili & Bouillon, 1992". www.marinespecies.org. Retrieved 6 August 2013.
- ^ Branch, G.M., Branch, M.L, Griffiths, C.L. and Beckley, L.E. 2010. Two Oceans: a guide to the marine life of southern Africa. ISBN 978-1-77007-772-0.