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Haeckel'S Jelly
Species

Haeckel'S Jelly

Pseudorhiza haeckeli, Haacke, 1884

marine

About Haeckel'S Jelly

Pseudorhiza haeckeli, or Haeckel's jelly, is a species of cnidarian of the family Lychnorhizidae. The species is a carnivore with a mild sting. It is native to temperate and sub-tropical Australian marine waters. It has been observed at depths of 1-30 metres, and is sometimes found cast on beaches. It was described by the naturalist Wilhelm Haacke in 1884, and named for his mentor Ernst Haeckel.

Appearance

The animal has a bell which is round with raised, warty lumps on the upper surface. It has a cross-shaped structure inside the bell. Its arms curve around the bottom of the bell and a long, colourful tail trails below it. It possesses no tentacles. Its bell and arms are reasonably transparent. Tail length varies depending on the individual, as it may be in a stage of regeneration. Its bell can reach a diameter of 40 cm.

Where to see it

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