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Home > Invertebrates
> Jellyfishes > Mastigias papua etpisoni
Created 2/22/2021
Family
Mastigiidae
PALAU - ENDEMIC
Mastigias
papua etpisoni
GOLDEN JELLYFISH
Unique to Jellyfish Lake on Eil Malk island, Palau. This
non-stinging subspecies sheds its clubs as it grows size and relies
entirely on photosynthesis. Excessively high temperature due to El Nino
causes medusae ('adults') to bleach and disappear for two years.
Young medusae are released from tiny stalks attached to the bottom as
favorable conditions return. Two such events occurred in 1998 and
2016. Attains bell diameter of 5 inches. Preyed upon by white
anemones, Entacmaea medusivora,
along the lake's edge. Endemic to Palau.
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