Polyorchis

Polyorchis, or bell jellies, is a genus of hydrozoans in the family Corynidae. They are transparent with red coloration in their internal organs and eye spots around the rim of their bell. The red pigmentation helps them camouflage. They are often found in harbors, marinas, and other calm waters close to shore. They feed on plankton and benthic crustaceans and are found near the sea floor. The bells can reach about 2.25 inches (5 cm).[1]

Polyorchis
Polyorchis karafutoensis as illustrated on an Azerbaijani stamp
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Hydrozoa
Order: Anthoathecata
Family: Corynidae
Genus: Polyorchis
A. Agassiz, 1862
Species
  • Polyorchis haplus
  • Polyorchis karafutoensis
  • Polyorchis penicillatus

P. pencillatus is nicknamed "red-eyed jellyfish". At the base of the tentacles are several eyes, called ocelli, which contain light-sensing cells and red pigments.[2]

References
  1. "Bell jelly, Coastal Wetlands, Invertebrates, Polyorchis sp at the Monterey Bay Aquarium". www.montereybayaquarium.org. Retrieved 2017-01-10.
  2. Anna Klompen et al.: Peering Into the Inner Workings of Evolution With Jellyfish Eyes. On: SciTechDaily, April 8, 2022. Source: University of Kansas.


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