| Eupilema inexpectata | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 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 |
| Binomial name | |
| Eupilema inexpectata Pages, Gili & Bouillon, 1992[1] | |
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.
Description
This 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
This jellyfish is found around the whole South African coast from the surface to at least 35 m (115 ft) underwater.
Ecology
This 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
Wikimedia 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.
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