What are the behavior patterns with cannonball jellyfish?

Cannonball jellyfish (Stomolophus meleagris) are fascinating creatures with distinct behaviors. Here are some of their notable patterns:

Movement:

* Passive Drifting: Cannonball jellyfish primarily drift with ocean currents. Their lack of strong propulsive mechanisms means they rely heavily on water movement.

* Weak Pulsations: They do have a bell that can pulsate, but these contractions are relatively weak compared to other jellyfish species. This pulsation helps them move vertically in the water column.

* Avoidance of Strong Currents: They tend to avoid strong currents, preferring calmer areas.

* Diurnal Vertical Migration: They typically move to deeper water during the day and ascend to the surface at night, likely to feed.

Feeding:

* Plankton Feeders: Their diet consists mainly of small plankton organisms, which they catch with their tentacles.

* Filter Feeders: They filter food from the water with their tentacles, using mucus to trap the prey.

* No Stinging: Unlike some other jellyfish species, cannonball jellyfish don't have strong stinging cells, making them less harmful to humans.

Social Interaction:

* Aggregation: Cannonball jellyfish are known to form large aggregations, sometimes in the hundreds or even thousands, especially during breeding seasons.

* Limited Social Behavior: While they aggregate, their interactions within the groups are generally minimal, primarily related to feeding and breeding.

Defense Mechanisms:

* Tentacle Contraction: When threatened, they can contract their tentacles to protect themselves.

* Camouflage: Their translucent, spherical bodies can help them blend in with their surroundings, making them less visible to predators.

Reproduction:

* Sexual Reproduction: Cannonball jellyfish reproduce sexually, with the release of sperm and eggs into the water.

* Planktonic Larvae: The fertilized eggs develop into planktonic larvae, which eventually settle and transform into polyps.

* Polyp Stage: The polyp stage is a sedentary phase where the jellyfish reproduces asexually, producing more polyps or budding off new jellyfish.

Other Notable Behaviors:

* Bioluminescence: They can exhibit bioluminescence, emitting a faint blue light, especially at night.

* Beach Washaways: Cannonball jellyfish are often found washed ashore on beaches, especially after storms or strong currents.

It's important to remember that these are general behavioral patterns. There may be variations within the species depending on factors like location, season, and individual jellyfish.