Parasitic Anemones on Cross Jelly

An association that is certainly unfavorable to the jellyfish host is that between the larval sea anemone, Peachia quinquecapitata, and certain hydromedusae including Mitrocoma and Clytia.  Young planktonic anemone larvae are ingested by the jellyfish, and then feed on the gonads and stomach of their hapless host.  Eventually the anemones (2 are seen in this photo) drop off and assume a more typical benthic lifestyle as adults.        

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