The Crowned Jellyfish, Cephea cephea, is a striking species of jellyfish known for its distinctive crown-like appearance. This captivating creature, belonging to the Scyphozoa class, inhabits various marine zones around the world.
Description & Characteristics
The Cephea cephea is characterized by its large, dome-shaped bell that can reach a diameter of up to 1 meter, making it one of the largest jellyfish species. Its bell, which is typically a pale brown or reddish color, is adorned with a series of prominent, radial ridges resembling a crown. These ridges are actually a series of elongated tentacles with numerous small, stinging nematocysts used for capturing prey. Unlike most jellyfish, the Cephea cephea lacks a distinct mouth and instead possesses a network of oral arms that extend from the underside of its bell. These arms, which are covered with numerous pores, play a crucial role in the jellyfish’s feeding process.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Cephea cephea is a common inhabitant of the subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral zones, as well as the deep zone of the oceans. This wide range of habitats includes the lower limit of the intertidal zone, extending to the shelf edge at a depth of approximately 200 meters. These zones, which are typically characterized by a variety of marine life, provide suitable conditions for the Cephea cephea to thrive. The Crowned Jellyfish is predominantly found in neritic waters, which are the coastal waters over the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
The Cephea cephea is classified within the phylum Cnidaria, belonging to the Class: Scyphozoa, Order: Rhizostomeae, and Family: Cepheidae. This classification places it within a diverse group of marine invertebrates known for their distinctive bell-shaped bodies and stinging cells.
Feeding
The Crowned Jellyfish, Cephea cephea, is a specialist feeder, primarily relying on a diet of plankton. It actively captures and consumes these microscopic organisms, including zooplankton and phytoplankton, using its numerous oral arms. Its feeding strategy also involves a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, single-celled algae that reside within its tissues. These zooxanthellae utilize sunlight for photosynthesis, producing energy that is subsequently used by the jellyfish. This mutualistic relationship provides the Cephea cephea with an additional source of sustenance, enhancing its survival in various marine environments.
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