| Jelly Blubber | |
|---|---|
| Blue Blubber jellyfish in Port Phillip Bay | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Cnidaria |
| Class: | Scyphozoa |
| Order: | Rhizostomeae |
| Family: | Catostylidae |
| Genus: | Catostylus |
| Species: | C. mosaicus |
| Binomial name | |
| Catostylus mosaicus Quoy & Gaimard, 1824 |
|
The Jelly Blubber (Catostylus mosaicus), also known as the Blue Blubber Jellyfish, is the most commonly encountered jellyfish along the Australian eastern coast and large swarms sometimes appear in estuarine waters.
In Sydney waters, the Jelly Blubber's large bell is a creamy white or brown colour, but farther north it is usually blue. This is because the jellyfish has developed a symbiotic relationship with algal plant cells that are kept inside its body. These plants vary in colour from region to region. The algae photosynthesise, converting sunlight into energy that can be used by the jellyfish. Its bell pulses in a distinctive, staccatolike rhythm. There is no obvious mouth on the underside, but there are small openings on each arm, through which food is passed to the stomach.The tentacles also have stinging cells that can capture tiny crustaceans and other plankton. This species can be distinguished by its conspicuous internal cross. They have very fleshy, three-winged arms around their mouths. A full complement is eight, but they are often seen with fewer arms or with pieces missing.
Distribution: Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria.
Habitat: Intertidal estuaries and coastal waters.
Status: Common
Size: Up to 35 cm.
Sting: Harmless.
Contents |
As with all true jellies, blue jellies alternate between a sexual medusa stage and an asexual polyp stage. Adult medusae brood their fertilized eggs and the resulting planula larvae.
Eats mainly planktons, small fish, some crustaceans, and small particles in the water.
Blue jellies have become an increasing nuisance to Australian fishermen. In summer, large swarms of blue jellies flood the coastline of northern Australia, clogging nets and reducing fish catches. Some Australians, perceiving an increased market for jellies in Asia, decided to take advantage of the situation. Jellies are a highly regarded delicacy in Asia. The enterprising Australians tried to develop a fishery for blue jellies, but processing the delicate jellies proved difficult and time consuming.
The Chinese believe eating jellies will reduce high blood pressure.
Dried jellies are popular in many Asian countries, especially Japan, where they're considered a culinary delicacy. The texture is reportedly crispy, yet elastic—hence the name “Rubber Band Salad” for a dish sold in China.
1- http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/AnimalDetails.aspx?enc=n3f4wmcSJaMOvucVJPXGCQ==
2- http://www.julianrocks.net/jellies/CatostylusMosaicus.htm
3- http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=220491