Eight-leaf Jellyfish [Halitrephes maasi]
Description
The Eight-leaf Jellyfish, scientifically known as Halitrephes maasi, is a mesopelagic species found in the deep ocean, specifically in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. This jellyfish is most known for its striking visual appearance. When illuminated, it displays a breathtaking array of colors that resemble a bursting firework. The eight 'leaves' are actually its eight gonads which are visible through its translucent bell. Despite their beautiful appearance, observing these jellyfish in their natural habitat is extremely challenging due to the extreme depths at which they live, often exceeding 4,000 meters.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Jellyfish, Sea Anemones, and Relatives
Cnidaria
|
|---|---|
| Class |
True Jellyfish
Scyphozoa
|
| Order |
True Jellyfish
Semaeostomeae
|
| Family |
Root-Mouth Jellies
Rhizostomatidae
|
| Genus |
Eight-leaf Jellyfish
Versuriga
|