Rhopilema

Common Names

Rhopilema species are commonly known as "moon jellies" or "fried-egg jellyfish" due to their appearance. They are also sometimes referred to as "jellyfish blooms" when they occur in large aggregations.

Characteristics

Members of the genus Rhopilema are characterized by their large, dome-shaped bells, which can range in diameter from a few inches to several feet. The bell is typically translucent and may have a variety of colors, including white, pink, and brown. Unlike many other jellyfish, Rhopilema species lack the traditional tentacles found in other jellyfish species. Instead, they have numerous, short, branched appendages called "oral arms" that extend from the underside of the bell. These oral arms are covered in tiny stinging cells called nematocysts, which they use to capture prey.

Another distinctive feature of Rhopilema is their unique feeding apparatus. They have a central mouth located on the underside of the bell, which is surrounded by a series of "mouth arms." These mouth arms are further subdivided into numerous smaller, branching structures called "sucker arms" that are covered in microscopic hooks. These hooks are used to capture and transport prey to the mouth. They primarily feed on plankton and small fish.

Environments

Rhopilema species are found in a wide range of marine environments, primarily in warm, tropical, and subtropical waters. They are commonly observed in coastal areas, estuaries, and open oceans. Some species are known to migrate seasonally, following currents and food sources. They can often be found in large aggregations, sometimes forming blooms that can extend for miles.

References

For more information about Rhopilema, refer to the following resources:

• World Register of Marine Species
• PubMed
• Google Scholar