Beachgoers along the Texas coast may notice an unusual jellyfish washing ashoreòòò½ÊÓƵ”one that is nearly transparent with striking radial canals and a flattened bell. This is the many-ribbed jellyfish, also known as the crystal jelly. I found five of these jellies this week washed up during my weekly Beachcombing surveys. While many people fear jellyfish due to their painful stings, this species is considered one of the most harmless, as its sting is mild and barely noticeable to most humans.
The many-ribbed jellyfish can grow up to seven inches across and has delicate tentacles surrounding its bell. On the underside, it has a stomach and gonads, which are visible through its clear body. Found in temperate and subtropical waters, including the Gulf, this species feeds on gelatinous plankton and larval fish.
One of its most fascinating features is its ability to glow green. Some species of crystal jelly produce bioluminescence to startle potential predators. This light is created by a special protein, which has been studied extensively by scientists and even used in medical research.
In the wild, the many-ribbed jellyfish can live up to 18 months. However, when kept in captivity, their lifespan is much shorteròòò½ÊÓƵ”typically around nine monthsòòò½ÊÓƵ”because aquariums struggle to replicate the natural ocean currents they rely on.
While most people wouldnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t think of jellyfish as a food source, this species is eaten in parts of China. After being cleaned, salted, and dried, the jellyfish is rehydrated for use in salads, stir-fries, and even sushi.
For now, the many-ribbed jellyfish remains a mesmerizing sight along the Texas shoreline. Its delicate, glass-like appearance and gentle nature make it one of the Gulfòòò½ÊÓƵ™s most fascinating marine drifters.
Tides this weekend will be lowest before the sunrises, making for great beachcombing with a morning cup of coffee.
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