The Radiant Spotted Jellyfish

The vivid organisms pulsating in the dark are a bloom of Spotted Jellyfish (Phyllorhiza punctata). Having studied these fascinating…

The vivid organisms pulsating in the dark are a bloom of Spotted Jellyfish (Phyllorhiza punctata). Having studied these fascinating creatures for many years, I'm always struck by their ability to appear in such mesmerizing concentrations. Their dome-shaped bells are transparent but glow with a captivating pink light, a feature often enhanced by symbiotic algae living within their tissues, which gives them a unique coloration. Each jellyfish is easily identified by the numerous white spots covering its bell and the cluster of frilly, highly branched oral arms hanging below. These oral arms are their main tool for survival, used to filter-feed on tiny plankton. The rhythmic movement of these graceful creatures creates a truly captivating and beautiful scene, demonstrating the elegance of these simple invertebrates in their natural habitat.