Animal Profiles
Jellyfish and hydrozoans

Jellyfish

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Jellyfish include many drifting cnidarians. This account follows Atlantic sea nettles as treated under Chrysaora quinquecirrha in the cited historical source.

Chrysaora quinquecirrha, the representative described in this account.

Chrysaora quinquecirrha, the representative described in this account.

Jarek Tuszyński · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
The source describes western Atlantic coastal sea nettles, including estuarine populations.
Habitat
Coast
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Small crustaceans, comb jellies and other animal plankton provide food.

Classification

Common name
Jellyfish
Browse group
Jellyfish and hydrozoans
Scientific name or taxon
Not specified in the source index

Three things to know

  • Tentacles carry stinging cells.
  • It eats small marine animals.
  • Its life cycle includes a polyp stage.

Habitat and range

The source describes western Atlantic coastal sea nettles, including estuarine populations. Its older, broader species treatment is not presented as a modern worldwide distribution for one species.

Appearance and adaptations

A pulsing bell carries trailing tentacles and folded oral arms. Stinging cells on the tentacles capture prey, while much of the transparent body consists of water.

Diet and behaviour

Small crustaceans, comb jellies and other animal plankton provide food. The life cycle includes an attached polyp stage and a free-swimming medusa, connecting seabed attachment with movement through the water.

Sources

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