Characteristics
Rhizostomeae exhibit several distinctive characteristics that differentiate them from other scyphozoan jellyfish:
- Lack of Oral Arms: Unlike most jellyfish, Rhizostomeae lack the characteristic oral arms. Instead, they possess a complex network of branched mouth-arms, which are used for feeding and capturing prey.
- Complex Mouth-Arms: The mouth-arms of Rhizostomeae are highly branched and often intricately patterned, forming a network of tentacles that extend from the bell margin. These arms are covered with nematocysts, stinging cells used to paralyze prey.
- Reduced Manubrium: The manubrium, or central mouth, is significantly reduced in Rhizostomeae compared to other jellyfish. It is often located in the center of the bell and surrounded by the branched mouth-arms.
- Lack of Marginal Tentacles: Rhizostomeae generally lack the typical marginal tentacles found in other jellyfish. Their tentacles are often replaced by the branched mouth-arms, which serve a similar function in prey capture and feeding.
Environments
Rhizostomeae inhabit a wide range of marine environments, with different species adapted to specific conditions:
- Coastal Waters: Many Rhizostomeae species are found in coastal waters, where they can thrive in the relatively shallow depths and abundant food sources.
- Open Oceans: Some species, particularly those with larger bells and more robust bodies, can be found in open ocean environments, where they can withstand strong currents and survive on limited food supplies.
- Estuaries: Several Rhizostomeae species are adapted to estuarine environments, where they can tolerate variations in salinity and water temperature.
References
For more information on Rhizostomeae, please refer to the following sources:
