Aequoreidae

Common Names

Aequoreidae jellyfish are commonly known as "flower hat jellyfish" due to their distinctive appearance. They can also be referred to as "crown jellyfish" due to their resemblance to crowns.

Characteristics

Aequoreidae jellyfish are characterized by their large, dome-shaped bells with a central mouth surrounded by numerous, short arms. They lack the typical tentacles of other jellyfish species. Instead, their arms are covered in tiny, stinging nematocysts. The jellyfish are often brightly colored, with hues of red, orange, yellow, or green.

Aequoreidae jellyfish have a unique symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, single-celled algae that live within their tissues. These algae provide the jellyfish with food through photosynthesis, contributing to their vibrant colors. This symbiotic relationship allows the jellyfish to thrive in nutrient-poor environments, making them a common sight in tropical and subtropical waters.

Environments

Aequoreidae jellyfish inhabit tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. They are typically found in coastal areas, bays, and estuaries, where they feed on plankton and small invertebrates. These jellyfish are known to be relatively tolerant of salinity changes and can be found in both marine and brackish water environments.

References

Further information and details about Aequoreidae jellyfish can be found on the following websites:

• World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)
• NCBI Taxonomy Browser