The Unique Spotted Jellyfish

The distinctive organism suspended in the blue water is a Spotted Jellyfish (Phyllorhiza punctata). Having spent over three decades observing marine life, I am particularly intrigued by the unique morphology of this species. Its bell, a semi-translucent dome, is covered with numerous small, white spots, a pattern that helps it blend with its environment while also giving it a memorable appearance.

Spotted Jellyfish possess short, frilly oral arms instead of long tentacles, which they use to filter plankton and small fish from the water. Unlike some of their more stationary relatives, this species is an active swimmer, pulsing its bell rhythmically to propel itself through the ocean. They are native to the southwestern Pacific but have become an invasive species in other parts of the world, a testament to their adaptability and resilience.