Page 160 - Atlas Of The World's Strangest Animals

160 ATLAS OF THE WORLD’S STRANGEST ANIMALS

Compass Jellyfish

These shapeless blobs are every bit as odd as anything that a writer of science
fiction might conjure up.Their bodies are more than 90 per cent water, with no

circulatory system, respiratory system or brain, but it’s when they mate that
things really get weird.

Body
These jellyfish get their name
from the V-shaped markings and
dark circles on their bells,
which resemble an old-
fashioned mariner’s compass.

Key Facts ORDER Semaeostome / FAMILY Ulmaridae
GENUS & SPECIES Chrysaora hysoscella

Length of tentacles Up to 60cm (23.6in)
Diameter of bell 20–30cm (7.9–11.8in)
Sexual maturity Not recorded

Planulae released Spring, depending on conditions
Number of young Not recorded
Time from larvae 2–3 years, depending on conditions
to adult
Breeding interval Varies, depending on conditions
Typical diet Small planktonic animals and fish

Lifespan Up to 6 months as an adult

(c) 2011 Marshall Cavendish. All Rights Reserved.