Research
Jellyfish: the dance of the Aurelia aurita
The dance of the jellyfish is one of the latest exhibits at the Aquarium,
and yet another one of the ongoing efforts to improve the facilities and
services offered. A two-metre diameter tank displays the dozens of jellyfish
of the species Aurelia aurita .
The beauty of this jellyfish, commonly known as the moon jellyfish, is
due mostly to its primitive nature. Although this invertebrate has barely
evolved over time, behind its apparent simplicity lies a surprising and
complex life cycle.
This species is able to synthesize the two different forms of marine
life forms: benthonic (rock or sea bottom dwellers) and pelagic (animals
live in the open sea). The Aquarium's two smaller side tanks show the
earlier stages of the jellyfish before it becomes an adult medusa. In
the first form is called the polyp, which attaches itself to fixed structures.
Polyps then grow into adult medusas and break away from their anchors,
drifting freely in the water.
In creating this tank the Biology team decided to design a closed cycle
programme, thus allowing the Aquarium to reproduce as many jellyfish as
needed for the display.
Did you know that...?
• Most jellyfish have cells called nematoblasts and nematocysts
which can segregate a highly irritating poison. This substance allows
them paralyse their enemies and prey.
• It is believed that sea turtles feed on jellyfish. With all
the rubbish in the sea, turtles often mistake jellyfish for plastic
bags, which can collect in their stomachs and cause them to die.
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