Home > Invertebrates > Jellyfishes > Mastigias papua etpisoni

Created 2/22/2021

Family Mastigiidae

PALAU - ENDEMIC

Mastigias papua etpisoni



Jellyfish Lake, Palau

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.