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Large jellyfish that is typically found in shallow water along subtropical coastlines
Scientific Name: Catostylus mosaicus
Common Name: Blubber jellyfish
Dimensions: The bell can reach 30-45 cm in diameter
Medium: model
Registration Number: RPN.2018.0037.2
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Catostylus mosaicus is a large jellyfish with a gelatinous appearance, featuring an umbrella-shaped bell and eight wide, arrow-shaped tentacles underneath. Instead of a central mouth, each tentacle has its own mouth openings. The color of the jellyfish varies from creamy white to blue, violet, or brown. It moves through the water by pulsating in a rhythmic manner.
Habitat and Biology
This species is commonly found in shallow waters along tropical and subtropical coastlines. It feeds on plankton, including small fish and crustaceans, and its venom is painful but not deadly to humans. Predators such as sea turtles and sunfish consume it. Fertilization involves collecting released sperm, leading to larval development and eventual transformation into adult jellyfish. Swarming behavior is common due to declining predator numbers. In East Asia, it is consumed by humans. The species has two sexes, and periodically, large quantities of dead specimens can be found on beaches.
ECO System Qatar
Sea Grass: Seagrass grows on the seabed, creating underwater meadows that play a crucial role in supporting Gulf ecosystems. These habitats offer shelter to young shrimp, oysters, and various species, serving as a vital food source for many marine creatures. The roots of seagrasses contribute to stabilizing the sandy seabed, protecting it from erosion. Given the high salt levels and extreme temperature variations in the Arabian Gulf, only a few seagrass species can thrive. In Qatar, seagrasses are essential for stabilizing the seabed against wave action and other erosional forces.
PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH
Kramp, P. L. (1961). Synopsis of the medusae of the world. Journal of the marine biological Association of the United Kingdom, 40, 7-382. Omori, M., & Nakano, E. (2001). Jellyfish fisheries in southeast Asia. In Jellyfish Blooms: Ecological and Societal Importance (pp. 19-26). Springer Netherlands.