Animal
Red paper lantern jelly
This drifter pulses through deep waters.
On view at the Aquarium inOpen Sea
Large and striking, adult purple-striped jellies are silvery white with deep-purple bands. In certain seasons, they mysteriously appear near the shores of Monterey. When the jellies arrive, it's wise to keep your distance (their sting isn't fatal, but it can be painful).
Up to 3 feet (1 m) in diameter
Mainly zooplankton, including copepods, larval fish, ctenophores, salps, other jellies, fish eggs
Limited range off the coast of California
Pacific sea nettle, other jellyfishes, sea anemones, coral; Family: Pelagiidae
Young cancer crabs are often found clinging to this jelly, even inside the gut. The crab helps the jelly by eating the parasitic amphipods that feed on and damage the jelly.
Human activities can hit nearshore habitats hard. Dredging, dumping and silt build-up can wipe out underwater communities in bays, estuaries and reefs. Several jelly species live in nearshore habitats. And many that don't live near the shore do develop in nearshore "nurseries" when they're young. Harming these habitats could reduce the overall jelly population.
Related
It’s a joy to learn about jellies! Explore below to learn more about these interesting invertebrates.
Animal
This drifter pulses through deep waters.
Animal
This elegant jelly hangs motionless and upside down in the midwater.
Animal
A mauve stinger lingers in deep waters until nightfall.
Animal
This jelly rests upside-down, stubby oral arms pointed toward the sun, giving it the appearance of a flower.