Chrysaora colorata | |
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A purple-striped jelly (Chrysaora colorata) on exhibit at Monterey Bay Aquarium | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Cnidaria |
Class: | Scyphozoa |
Order: | Semaeostomeae |
Family: | Pelagiidae |
Genus: | Chrysaora |
Species: | C. colorata
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Binomial name | |
Chrysaora colorata (Russell, 1964)
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Synonyms | |
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Chrysaora colorata (Russell), commonly known as the purple-striped jelly or purple-striped sea nettle, is a species of jellyfish that exists primarily off the coast of California from Bodega Bay to San Diego.[1] The bell (body) of the jellyfish is up to 70 cm (2.3 ft) in diameter, typically with a radial pattern of stripes. The tentacles vary with the age of the individual, consisting typically of eight marginal long dark arms, and four central frilly oral arms. It is closely studied by scientists due to not much being known about their eating habits.[2] A 15-foot-long specimen has been seen.[3]
Often young Cancer crabs make home in the jellyfish and eat the parasitic amphipods that feed on and damage the jellyfish.[4] C. colorata are more active in a lively current, which makes it easier for them to move and capture their prey.[5]