The root-mouthed jellyfish (''Eupilema inexpectata'') is a

species A species () is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate sexes or mating types can produce fertile offspring, typically by sexual reproduction. It is the basic unit of Taxonomy (biology), ...

cnidarian Cnidaria ( ) is a phylum under kingdom Animalia containing over 11,000 species of aquatic invertebrates found both in fresh water, freshwater and marine environments (predominantly the latter), including jellyfish, hydroid (zoology), hydroids, ...

, a

jellyfish Jellyfish, also known as sea jellies or simply jellies, are the #Life cycle, medusa-phase of certain gelatinous members of the subphylum Medusozoa, which is a major part of the phylum Cnidaria. Jellyfish are mainly free-swimming marine animal ...

in the small

family Family (from ) is a Social group, group of people related either by consanguinity (by recognized birth) or Affinity (law), affinity (by marriage or other relationship). It forms the basis for social order. Ideally, families offer predictabili ...

Rhizostomatidae Rhizostomatidae is a family of cnidarians in the class Scyphozoa. Genera and species According to the World Register of Marine Species, 11 extant species are in four extant genera within this family: *Genus ''Eupilema'' **'' Eupilema inexpectat ...

. It is the only member of the

genus Genus (; : genera ) is a taxonomic rank above species and below family (taxonomy), family as used in the biological classification of extant taxon, living and fossil organisms as well as Virus classification#ICTV classification, viruses. In bino ...

''Eupilema''.

Description

This large jellyfish grows up to more than in diameter. It has a smooth-surfaced bell with no tentacles. Its large manubrium (mouth) has many microscopic holes which extend directly into the gut.Branch, G.M., Branch, M.L, Griffiths, C.L. and Beckley, L.E. 2010. ''Two Oceans: a guide to the marine life of southern Africa''. .

Distribution

This jellyfish is found around the whole South African coast from the surface to at least underwater.

Ecology

This is a large jellyfish which feeds on microscopic prey. It is often seen with small fish, which use its bulk to hide from predators.

References

Rhizostomatidae Animals described in 1992 {{Scyphozoa-stub