PURPLE-STRIPED JELLY
With rhythmic pulses of its bell-shaped
body, the purple-striped jelly waltzes through its open sea realm. As it drifts, its regal tentacles and lacy
mouth-arms stretch out to capture plankton.
The purple-striped jelly (Chrysaora colorata, formerly Pelagia colorata) is a species of jellyfish that exists primarily off the coast of California in Monterey Bay. The bell (body) of the jellyfish is up to 70 cm (27.6 inches or 2.3 feet) in diameter, typically with a radial pattern of stripes. The tentacles vary with the age of the individual, consisting typically of eight marginal long dark arms, and four central frilly oral arms. It is closely studied by scientists due to not much being known about their eating habits.
