beating their bright rainbow colored rows of combs against the water. Two varieties that are commonly seen in the Bay are the sea walnut (Mnemiopsis leidyi) and the pink comb jelly or rainbow jelly (Beroe ovata).
Although Ctenophores do not have nematocysts like the Cnidarians, certain varieties have colloblasts, which are sticky cells used to ensnare their prey. Other varieties capture their prey using a pair of oral lobes coated with a sticky mucous. Medusaes and comb jellies have many similarities, but also several distinctions. They are similar in that they both are copepod feeders, are carnivorous, are mostly composed of water; and exhibit radial symmetry (body parts are arranged around a central axis). One significant difference between the medusaes and the comb jellies is their method of reproduction. Comb jellies are hermaphroditic and capable of self-fertilization. They are able to produce many generations of offspring in a single summer. If you would like to view one of these delicate little creatures up close, try scooping it up in a glass container.
Population Increase
Generally speaking worldwide, the jellyfish population is increasing. Their growing numbers may be an indication of what the future holds for fish populations. A press release from VIMS reports “the increase in frequency of jellyfish blooms in coastal and estuarine waters around the world during the last few decades means that jellies’ impact on marine food webs is likely to increase into the future.” These findings are the result
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July/August 2011
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