| Scrippsia pacifica
Torrey, 1909: Giant Bell Jelly Phylum Cnidaria / Class Hydrozoa / Order Anthomedusae / Family Polyorchidae |
Looking very much like its close relative, Polyorchis, the
giant bell jelly is among the larger hydromedusa to visit the waters of Monterey
Bay. With a bell up to 10 cm high, this jelly is double the maximum size of
Polyorchis penicillatus, and also lacks the distinctive branching of the 4 radial
canals. A conspicuous gastric peduncle extends for more than half the length of the
bell and terminates with 4 frilly lips. Each radial canal bears 30 to 60 tubular
gonads. Up to 256 tentacles line the bell margin, with some originating somewhat
above the margin. Conspicuous red ocelli sit at the bases of the smaller
tentacles. The bell is transparent, with whitish peduncle, gonads and
tentacles. Scrippsia is occasionally found at the surface in Monterey Bay, often in
poor condition, but is more an inhabitant of deep, offshore waters. The giant bell
jelly is never found in the shallow nearshore habitats favored by Polyorchis. It has
been seen from Baja California to northern California.
All photographs © David Wrobel and may not be used or copied without permission!