Ctenophores - Comb Jellies
Sea Walnut, Mnemiopsis mccradyi
Flattened Helmet
Jelly, Beroe ovata
Winged Comb Jelly, Ocyropsis crystallina
Sea
Gooseberry, Euplakamis sp.
Members of this Phylum have tentacles that have stinging capsules called nematocysts that they use for defense and capturing prey. Most stings have no harmful effects, but some are very toxic and should be avoided. Unless you are very familiar with the various species, it is best not to touch or molest them.
Comb Jellies are not real Jellyfish. Jellyfish are the Phylum
Cnidarian which they share with hydroids
and anemones, all of which have stinging
tentacles. Comb Jellies are generally no more than an inch or two in
diameter and have no more than two sticky filaments.
They travel the open oceans near the surface.
Unlike jellyfish that pulsate water to gain movement, the comb jelly's eight
rows of little "hairs" are used to beat the water to co-ordinate with wave
action to move themselves along. Comb jellies
are very fragile, up to 96% water, but voracious predators of other jellies.
As they swim, the comb rows diffract light to
produce a neon, rainbow effect. These jellies are bio-luminescent . When
disturbed, they produce a blues green glow. The most commonly seen are the Sea
Walnuts. The Flattened Helmet Jelly was spotted in the mangroves. Often masses
of these jellies are found floating near the surface of the water. Most are
about 1 inch in diameter.
The Sea
Gooseberry's long filaments are not for stinging, rather they have a sticky
adhesive that traps prey and the filament is then retracted bringing the prey to
the jellies mouth. Not all Comb Jellies have filaments, and never more than two.