Eupilema inexpectata

Species of jellyfish

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]

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.

Description

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

This jellyfish is found around the whole South African coast from the surface to at least 35 m (115 ft) underwater.

Ecology

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

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.