The root-mouthed jellyfish (Eupilema inexpectata) is a species of cnidarian, a jellyfish in the small family Rhizostomatidae. It is the only member of the genus Eupilema.
| Eupilema inexpectata | |
|---|---|
| |
| At Long Beach, Simon's Town, South Africa | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Cnidaria |
| Class: | Scyphozoa |
| Order: | Rhizostomeae |
| Family: | Rhizostomatidae |
| Genus: | Eupilema |
| Species: | E. inexpectata
|
| Binomial name | |
| Eupilema inexpectata Pages, Gili & Bouillon, 1992[1]
| |
Description edit
This large jellyfish grows up to more than 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in diameter. It has a smooth-surfaced bell with no tentacles. Its large manubrium (mouth) has many microscopic holes which extend directly into the gut.[2]
Distribution edit
This jellyfish is found around the whole South African coast from the surface to at least 35 m (115 ft) underwater.
Ecology edit
This is a large jellyfish which feeds on microscopic prey. It is often seen with small fish, which use its bulk to hide from predators.
References edit
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Eupilema inexpectata.
- ^ "WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Eupilema inexpectata Pages, Gili & Bouillon, 1992". www.marinespecies.org. Retrieved 6 August 2013.
- ^ Branch, G.M., Branch, M.L, Griffiths, C.L. and Beckley, L.E. 2010. Two Oceans: a guide to the marine life of southern Africa. ISBN 978-1-77007-772-0.
 | This Scyphozoa-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |