Discophytidae
Discophytidae is a family of deep-sea jellyfish within the order Rhizostomeae. These jellyfish are characterized by their unique, disc-shaped bell, lacking tentacles, and possessing short, oral arms. Discophytids are found in various depths of the ocean, ranging from the mesopelagic zone to the abyssal zone. They are typically bioluminescent and play a crucial role in the food chain of deep-sea ecosystems.
Common Names
Members of the Discophytidae family are commonly referred to as "flattened jellyfish" or "disc jellyfish," due to their flattened, disc-like bell shape.
Characteristics
Discophytids possess a number of distinct characteristics:
- Disc-shaped bell: Unlike most jellyfish, Discophytids have a flattened, disc-shaped bell, giving them their characteristic appearance.
- Absence of tentacles: Instead of tentacles, Discophytids have short, oral arms located around their mouths.
- Bioluminescence: Many Discophytids are bioluminescent, meaning they can produce their own light.
- Deep-sea adaptation: Discophytids are adapted to life in the deep sea, often exhibiting unique features such as reduced pigmentation and specialized feeding mechanisms.
Environments
Discophytids are found in a wide range of deep-sea environments, including:
- Mesopelagic zone: The twilight zone, ranging from 200 to 1000 meters deep.
- Bathypelagic zone: The midnight zone, ranging from 1000 to 4000 meters deep.
- Abyssal zone: The abyssal zone, located below 4000 meters.
References
For further information on Discophytidae, you can refer to the following reliable resources: