A Bloom of Nootka Jellyfish

The mesmerizing group of organisms pulsing through the deep blue is a gathering of Nootka Jellyfish (Cyanea nozakii). In my long…

The mesmerizing group of organisms pulsing through the deep blue is a gathering of Nootka Jellyfish (Cyanea nozakii). In my long career observing marine life, few spectacles rival the sight of a "bloom" of these creatures. Each individual possesses a translucent bell with a delicate, pinkish-purple hue, but the most striking feature is the incredible mass of white and pink oral arms. These oral arms are thick, densely ruffled, and cascade below the bell like a living, complex cloud. They are highly effective feeding structures, capturing and consuming small fish and plankton. The collective motion of these jellyfish creates a dynamic and unified display, proving that a single, simple life form can create something truly magnificent when acting in concert.