Overview
Introduction
Economic Importance
Physical Description
Size
Ecology
Local Occurrence
Global Distribution
Crypsis
Life History & Behaviour
Life Cycle & Reproduction
Locomotion
Feeding (Report)
Anatomy & Physiology
Nervous System
Musculature
Respiration, Circulation & Excretion
Evolution & Systematics
Systematics
Conservation & Threats
Conservation
Threats
References |
OVERVIEW
Jellyfish are a class of gelatinous organisms that fall into the Cnidaria phyla. They are radially symmetrical and are characterised by the presence of nematocysts or stinging cells. These nematocysts aid in capture of prey and defence. Jellyfish are considered to be relatively simple organisms. They can be colonial or solitary. They are relatively passive swimmers, relying primarily on ocean currents for transportation. Jellyfish are opportunistic feeders, which do not actively chase after their prey. Within the Cnidaria phyla, there are two classes of jellyfish: Scyphozoa and Hydrozoa. This webpage specifically focuses on a genus within the Hydrozoa class.
The Hydrozoan class contains approximately 3000 species. Hydrozoans are primarily colonial medusa with a life cycle that involves polyps, medusae or both. In many species, one of either the polyp or medusa stage is reduced or absent. Hydrozoans display a diverse range of nematocysts in comparison to other Cnidaria.
This webpage is dedicated to one individual within the genus Aequorea. In Australian waters, Aequorea are relatively under-studied. There is limited information regarding their distribution along Australian coastlines in both literature and in oceanographic surveys. This webpage focuses on the distribution, ecology, physiology, phylogenetics, life history, behaviour and conservation of the individual Aequorea sp. A report on the bizarre feeding behaviour exhibited by Aequorea sp. is also included on this website. To see this, jump to: Feeding.
Figure 1.1: Heron Island. Photo taken by Katie Maling. |
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