The Striking Compass Jellyfish

The majestic, pulsating creature gliding through the water is a Compass Jellyfish (Chrysaora hysoscella). In my decades of…

The majestic, pulsating creature gliding through the water is a Compass Jellyfish (Chrysaora hysoscella). In my decades of observing marine ecosystems, I find these particular cnidarians fascinating due to the beautiful, V-shaped radial patterns on their bells, which often resemble the points of a compass. This coloration allows them to blend into their surroundings as they drift with the currents. Compass Jellyfish are common in coastal waters and are known for their powerful sting, which they use to subdue small fish and crustaceans. Their long, fine tentacles trail behind them, forming a net to capture their prey. The rhythmic contraction of their bells allows them to maneuver through the water, making them a beautiful and effective predator in their environment.