Aequorea spp.
: Crystal Jelly |
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Several species of Aequorea inhabit the West Coast of North
America, but the taxonomy of the group has not been thoroughly worked out. Although
individuals in some populations are capable of reaching a bell diameter of 25 cm, those in
Monterey Bay rarely exceed 8 cm. The colorless, transparent bell is marked by conspicuous
radial canals, along which are attached the gonads. Numerous fine tentacles extend
from the bell margin. A green bioluminescent
pattern is produced around the margin of the bell due to the presence of green fluorescent
protein (GFP), which is coupled to another photoprotein known as aequorin. For many
years Aequorea was collected commercially to harvest the minute quantities of
these proteins for use as markers in biomedical research. Although Aequorea
will feed on crustaceans, it tends to favor gelatinous prey, including other hydromedusae,
comb jellies and appendicularians. Aequorea are not a commonly found jelly
in Monterey Bay, and are more reliably found during spring and summer in coastal waters of
Washington and British Columbia. It is relatively easy to establish hydroid
colonies and culture Aequorea in captivity. When provided appropriate aquarium
conditions (such as a kreisel tank), the medusae do well under captive conditions.
Crystal jellies are one of the more popular species for display at public
aquariums.
All photographs © David Wrobel and may not be used or copied without permission!