Why is it in the news?
- Scientists has confirmed the existence of a new species named Santjordia pagesi.
More about the Species
- Also known as St. George’s cross medusa jellyfish.
- Considered “rare” and found only in the Sumisu Caldera near the Ogasawara Islands, 600 miles southeast of Tokyo, Japan.
- “Santjordia” refers to Saint George in Catalan, representing its cross-shaped stomach.
Features of Santjordia pagesi
- Large size: 4 inches wide and 3 inches tall.
- Circular body with around 240 tentacles.
- Transparent body resembling a see-through cushion.
- Thick white ring along its lower edge.
- Vein-like structures from central stomach to the outer ring.
- Distinctive feature: Bright red, cross-shaped stomach.
- Suggests potential for a novel cnidarian venom.
About Jellyfish · Marine animal belonging to the phylum Cnidaria. · Soft, transparent, umbrella-shaped bell. · Pulsating bell for movement with tentacles hanging from it. · Tiny stinging cells in tentacles used to stun or paralyze prey. · Mouth opening inside the bell for eating and waste disposal. |